FILE PHOTO: Sep 3, 2019; Flushing, NY, USA; Roger Federer of Switzerland looks at the board between points against Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria (not pictured) in a quarterfinal match on day nine of the 2019 US Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
September 14, 2019
MELBOURNE (Reuters) – The ‘Big Three’ of Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic have confirmed they will play in the inaugural ATP Cup in a boost for the nation-based event in the leadup to the Australian Open.
The ATP, governing body of the men’s tour, said every member of the top 10 and 27 of the top 30 had committed to play the $15 million tournament to be hosted in Brisbane, Perth and Sydney from Jan. 3-12, 2020.
“Having the top players competing in this new global event is critical, and the ATP Cup looks set to kick off the ATP Tour season in a big way in 2020,” ATP boss Chris Kermode said in a statement.
Former world number one Andy Murray, on the comeback trail after having hip surgery, is also confirmed to play for Great Britain with compatriot Kyle Edmund.
Eighteen countries qualified for the tournament after the first round deadline on Friday, with hosts Australia given a wildcard spot.
Another five national teams will be added after the Nov. 13 second entry deadline.
The 24 countries will play in six groups of four for group stage, round-robin play, with the group winners and the two best second-placed finishers across the groups reaching the ATP Cup Finals in Sydney.
Each tie comprises two singles and one doubles match.
Each nation is allowed up to five players, with their qualification to be determined by their world ranking after the November deadline.
(Reporting by Ian Ransom; Editing by Amlan Chakraborty)
