THE 19 countries qualified for ATP Cup were assigned to the three host cities this morning, with 19-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal coming to Perth.
Nadal’s Spain will play in Perth against Japan, Georgia and a yet to be named qualified nation in Group B, assigned at the ATP Cup Official Draw this morning.
The current World number two’s visit to Perth from January 3 – 8 next year will be his first time in WA.
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READ NOWGroup D, which includes USA, Russia, Italy and another qualifier will also play in Perth.
Sydney will host Roger Federer’s Switzerland in Group C with Belgium, Great Britain and another soon to be added country, as well as Group E which contains Austria, Croatia, Argentina and an as yet unknown fourth team.
World number 1 Novak Djokovic’s Serbia will be playing in Brisbane, along with France, South Africa an a yet to be named qualifier in Group A.
The Queensland capital will also host Group F, which includes Germany, Greece, Canada and Australia.
The remaining teams will be drawn in November.
Tourism Minister Paul Papalia said the announcement placed Perth firmly on the map for tennis fans in addition to the Fed Cup final in November.
“Rafael Nadal is synonymous with tennis and we are very excited to have Spain play here in Perth this summer alongside Russia’s Daniil Medvedev,” he said.
“We’re set to serve up some of the world’s best tennis and this team format means more top players than ever before will be heading here to battle it out for their country.”
Premier Mark McGowan said the new ATP Cup was expected to have huge appeal for locals as well as visitors.
“All eyes will be on Perth when Rafael Nadal takes the court at RAC Arena,” he said.