Italian tennis star Matteo Berrettini has pulled out of ATP Cup 2020 owing to a problem with his abdominal muscles. The decision is being seen as a precautionary measure so that the player can remain fit for the Australian Open.

However, Berrettini pulling out is a major setback for Italian hopes in the tournament as he was their top ranked player. The world no 8 has also been in a decent run of form in the recent past.

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ATP CUP 2020

The 2020 ATP Cup will be a men’s tennis tournament held at three venues in Brisbane, Perth and Sydney. This is the first edition of the tournament and will be the first time that there has been an ATP team tournament since the past edition of the World Team Cup back in 2012.

Twenty four teams will play in the tournament to prepare for the Australian Open. The criteria for qualification in the tournament is the top ranked player from each country and the commitment of the said player to participate in it. Host country Australia received a wild card in the tournament while Switzerland was withdrawn from qualification due to Roger Federer’s refusal to participate.

The 24 teams will be divided into six group of four teams each in a round robin format. The six winners of each group and the two best best second placed finishers will qualify for the quarterfinals.

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ITALY’S STATUS FOR THE TOURNAMENT

Italian hopes have received a major jolt following Berrettini’s withdrawal. All eyes will now be on world no 12 Fabio Fognini to carry the team forward. The two men have been credited as the major force behind Italy’s resurgence in world tennis.

Hence, it is very important for Italian Tennis to maintain the momentum that it has gained. For now, they can only hope that Matteo Berrettini gets fit in time for the Australian Open.