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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates after winning a point during his Men’s Singles third round match against John Millman of Australia on day five of the 2020 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates after winning a point during his Men’s Singles third round match against John Millman of Australia on day five of the 2020 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Despite the delays and covid regulations, all top players are expected to start the 2021 season in Australia. World No. 5 Roger Federer, who missed the inaugural ATP Cup, will represent Switzerland next year. He will team up with compatriot and former World No. 3 Stan Wawrinka.
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Scheduled for February 1 – 5, the second edition of the ATP Cup is set to see all the Top 11 players.
Japanese player Kei Nishikori used his protected ranking to join partner Yoshihito Nishioka at the event. He missed most of the tennis action this year because of an elbow injury.
The tournament will see 12 international teams; Novak Djokovic led Serbian team are the defending champions of the Cup. Team Australia received a wildcard and will play as home favourites in the competition.
Roger Federer will start his 2021 season before Australian Open
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LILLE, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 20: Roger Federer of Switzerland talks with Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland at the draw during previews for the Davis Cup Tennis Final between France and Switzerland at the Place du Theatre on November 20, 2014, in Lille, France. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Fans have waited for a long time to see the 39-year-old play on a tennis court (almost a year). After he confirmed his participation in the ATP Cup, Switzerland’s chances to win the event received a big boost. Additionally, fans can see the 20-time Grand Slam winner before he starts his campaign for the Australian Open.
Previously, Federer had raised concerns regarding his recovery revealing that he wasn’t 100% yet. However, he is confident enough to start his season in Melbourne Park alongside Wawrinka and Henri Laaksonen.
World No. 2 Rafael Nadal, Roberto Bautista Agut, and Pablo Carreno Busta will form Team Spain. The squad is unchanged from the first edition where they finished runner-up. Therefore, it is certain that the Big Three will compete with one another, only this time for their countries.
Federer will face tough competitors at the ATP Cup
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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: Novak Djokovic of Serbia shakes hands with Rafael Nadal of Spain after winning the match point during their final singles match daring day 10 of the ATP Cup at Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Andy Cheung/Getty Images)
Since the Australian Open earlier this year, the Swiss maestro has not played any professional tennis. Meanwhile, the next-generation players have geared up their chances at big tournaments. Therefore, the ATP Cup will be an eye-opener for Federer before the Australian Open.
Furthermore, it will be the first tournament for the 103 ATP titles winner under quarantine conditions. Most of his competition has had extensive experience of the challenges of playing in a bubble.
Nonetheless, one cannot underestimate the Swiss maestro because of his out-of-the-world talent. Even for Kei Nishikori, it is a great opportunity to come back into the big leagues.
Also Read: Roger Federer Begins Preparations in Dubai for His 2nd Comeback at Australian Open 2021
