This archive report was first published on 20 November 2019.
Former world number one Andy Murray is set to make a comeback at the inaugural ATP Cup in Sydney, where he will face Grigor Dimitrov in the opening round.
Murray was initially scheduled to face Roger Federer in a blockbuster Group C clash, but the 20-time Grand Slam champion pulled out of the tournament on January 3-12, making Switzerland ineligible.
Bulgaria replaced Switzerland in the group, setting up a potential match between Murray and Dimitrov, who is often referred to as 'Baby Fed' due to his similar playing style to Federer.
The ATP Cup features 24 teams competing in a nation-based tournament, with the six group winners and the two best second-placed finishers advancing to the ATP Cup Finals in Sydney.
Each tie consists of two singles and one doubles match, with world number one Rafa Nadal set to kick off his tournament with Spain in Perth against Group B rivals Japan, Georgia, and Uruguay.
The tournament draw was confirmed on Thursday, with Serbia, led by world number two Novak Djokovic, set to play Chile, France, and South Africa in Group A in Brisbane.
Group F has Germany, Greece, Canada, and Australia playing off in Brisbane, boasting a mouthwatering array of young talent, including German world number six Alexander Zverev, Greek tyro Stefanos Tsitsipas, and tempestuous Australian Nick Kyrgios.
ATP Cup Groups:
- Group A – Serbia, France, South Africa, Chile (Brisbane)
- Group B – Spain, Japan, Georgia, Uruguay (Perth)
- Group C – Belgium, Great Britain, Bulgaria, Moldova (Sydney)
- Group D – Russia, Italy, United States, Norway (Perth)
- Group E – Austria, Croatia, Argentina, Poland (Sydney)
- Group F – Germany, Greece, Canada, Australia (Brisbane)
