This archive report was first published on 14 September 2019.
On the eve of the Australian Open, the men's tennis world is abuzz with the news that the 'Big Three' of Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal, and Novak Djokovic have confirmed their participation in the inaugural ATP Cup, a nation-based event.
According to the ATP, governing body of the men's tour, every member of the top 10 and 27 of the top 30 have committed to play the $15 million tournament, which will be hosted in Brisbane, Perth, and Sydney from January 3-12, 2020.
Former world number one Andy Murray, on the comeback trail after undergoing hip surgery, is also confirmed to play for Great Britain alongside compatriot Kyle Edmund.
Eighteen countries have 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 November 13 second entry deadline.
The 24 countries will compete in six groups of four for the group stage, with the group winners and the two best second-placed finishers across the groups advancing to the ATP Cup Finals in Sydney.
Each tie will comprise two singles and one doubles match, with each nation allowed up to five players, determined by their world ranking after the November deadline.
As ATP boss Chris Kermode noted, '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.'
