Novak Djokovic has touched down in Brisbane ready to resume his “love affair” with Australia.
The world No.2 is a clear favourite to win a record eighth Australian Open next month in Melbourne but first he’ll wear Serbian colours in the inaugural ATP Cup from January 3.
Serbia will meet France, Chile and South Africa in their pool while Australia, Canada, Greece and Germany will also feature in Brisbane before a finals series in Sydney.
Djokovic arrived in Brisbane on Monday morning happy to talk up the new concept in a country that’s proved to be a happy hunting ground.
“I love it. I’ve had an amazing 10 years in Australia going back to the first grand slam I won in Melbourne in 2008,” he said.
“And ever since then it’s been a love affair.
“I think it’s great for our sport that we have an innovation introduced in a country that loves tennis.”
The French team will be led by world No.10 Gael Monfils, while South African Kevin Anderson was as high as No.5 in the world earlier this year.
“It has an element of individual tournament but it’s combined with a team concept and I love wearing the colours of our country and hopefully we can have good support and have a lot of fun,” Djokovic said.
World No.1 Rafael Nadal will spearhead Spain in Perth against Japan, Georgia and Uruguay while Nick Kyrgios and Alex De Minaur will play for Australia in Brisbane.
Teams will play just two singles and one doubles rubber in each tie.