THE INAUGURAL ATP CUP AT A GLANCE
WHAT IS IT?: A new international men’s team tennis competition.
WHERE AND WHEN WILL IT BE PLAYED?: Sydney, Brisbane and Perth are host cities for the tournament starting on Friday and running through to January 12. The finals (last eight) will be played over four days in Sydney.
HOW DOES THE TOURNAMENT WORK?: There are 24 teams (countries) represented, divided into six groups of four, playing in round robin format. The winners from each group and the two best-performed runner-ups progress to the last eight.
AND THE MATCHES THEMSELVES?: Each tie comprises two singles and a doubles match. The singles are best of three tiebreak sets and the doubles feature no-advantage scoring and a match tiebreak instead of a third set. The country winning two matches wins the tie.
WHAT COUNTRIES ARE TAKING PART?: Serbia, Spain, Russia, Austria, Germany, Greece, Japan, Italy, France, Belgium, Croatia, Argentina, Georgia, South Africa, USA, Canada, Great Britain, Australia, Bulgaria, Chile, Poland, Uruguay, Moldova and Norway.
DO THEY PLAY FOR RANKINGS POINTS AND PRIZE MONEY?: Yes. It’s a little complicated but an undefeated singles performance in the tournament could accrue up to 750 points, so a little less than winning a Masters Series event. There’s $A21.5 million in prize money on offer.
WHO SHOULD I LOOK OUT FOR?: Grand slam giants Rafael Nadal (Spain) and Novak Djokovic (Serbia) will be worth the entry price alone and the rare chance to watch them play doubles. The next gen are well represented with Daniil Medvedev (Russia), Stefanos Tsitsipas (Greece) and Alexander Zverev (Germany). Australia’s own rising star Alex de Minaur will play with the mercurial Nick Kyrgios. The top two players for each country are likely to feature most, though other players can be brought in.
WHO IS GOING TO WIN?: Depends whether team depth or individual brilliance comes to the fore most. With Nadal and the rock-solid world No.9 Roberto Bautista Agut on their side, Davis Cup champions Spain seemingly have both and will be hard to beat. Similarly, Russia with 2019 go-getter Medvedev (No.4) and Karen Khachanov (No.17) should reach the pointy end. With young guns Denis Shapovalov and Felix Auger-Aliassime, Davis Cup finalists Canada are smokies while Croatian combo Marin Cilic and Borna Coric are another good outsider. Serbia, with Djokovic, can’t be discounted. Australia will do well to make the finals with Canada, Greece and Germany in their pot but the latter two are relying on one star rather than team depth.