This archive report was first published on 30 October 2019.
Swiss tennis star Roger Federer has announced his withdrawal from the inaugural ATP Cup in Australia, set to take place from January 3-12, 2020.
The decision means Switzerland will no longer participate in the nation-based event, allowing six additional countries to qualify based on the world rankings of their top players.
According to Federer, who is currently ranked number three in the world, the extra two weeks at home will be beneficial for both his family and his tennis career.
"It is with great regret that I am withdrawing from the inaugural ATP Cup event," Federer said in a statement.
"After much discussion with both my family and my team about the year ahead, I have decided that the extra two weeks at home will be beneficial for both my family and my tennis," he added.
The $15 million ATP Cup will be hosted in Brisbane, Perth, and Sydney, with 18 countries initially qualifying for the tournament after a first-round deadline in September.
Top-ranked Novak Djokovic and world number two Rafa Nadal have confirmed their participation, as has former world number one Andy Murray.
