ATP Cup 2020: Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic among the top stars
By Chris Myson
The first edition of the ATP Cup begins on January 3 with a host of star names committed to play. Here, we run through the biggest players taking part.
A fresh season of tennis action starts with a new competition as the ATP Cup takes place in Australia.
The first team tournament on the ATP Tour since the World Team Cup came to an end in 2012 will run from January 3 until January 12.
There will be 24 countries involved, with official ranking points up for grabs at an event that will encompass singles and doubles play.
Six groups of three teams will be whittled down until there are eight left for the quarterfinals, followed by the semifinals and a final to determine the first ATP Cup winning nation.
The finals will be played in Sydney, with group matches also taking place there along with in Perth and Brisbane.
While it has been played in close proximity to the Davis Cup, which was won by Spain, the new competition has attracted a host of big names.
Here, we take a look at the biggest stars involved in the 2020 ATP Cup, starting with Rafael Nadal.
Rafael Nadal
World number one Rafael Nadal will be taking part in the competition, leading Spain in Group B, which will be held in Perth.
Nadal is joined by a strong team that will be fancied to go deep into the tournament, with Roberto Bautista Agut and Pablo Carreno Busta alongside him as the singles selections.
Japan, Georgia and Uruguay will be opposition Spain are optimistic about getting the better of.
The country won the Davis Cup Finals at the end of last year, with Nadal in inspired form and winning all eight of his rubbers across singles and doubles.
Nadal is on his best form in a decade having won two Grand Slam events last year, finishing as runner-up and a semi-finalist in those he did not come out on top in.
As well as bidding to land more silverware for Spain, this event will form a key part of his preparation for the Australian Open, where he will be the top competition to defending champion Novak Djokovic.