The second annual ATP Cup is now upon us. As many can remember, the 2020 edition gave us entertaining tennis and interesting story lines. Serbia was crowned the winner of the 24-team competition. Whereas last year the event was played over 10 days, this year it will be played from February 1st to the 5th and it will consist of 12 teams instead of 24. Interestingly, the event will run parallel to two other 250 series events being played in Melbourne. This means there’s a ton of tennis to be played and enjoyed by the fans in the week leading up to the 2021 Australian Open. We can’t wait!

The 12 Countries that have qualified have been divided into four groups and are as follows:

Group A: Germany, Serbia, and Canada
Group B: Spain, Greece, and Australia
Group C: Austria, Italy, and France
Group D: Russia, Argentina, and Japan

So, who’s got a shot at taking the whole enchilada?

Only four countries will qualify out of the groups into the semifinal stage of the event. Looking at the entry list of the players set to participate, Russia looks the strongest with Rublev and Medvedev leading the charge. No other team in the competition boasts two top ten players. That being said, Spain and Serbia showed last year that they can win with one top player in their rosters. However, that seems to be only the case when that top player is named Nadal or Djokovic.

Although not consisting of two top 10 players Italy has a solid team with Berrettini (10) and Fognini (17). Both those players have shown they can go deep in important tournaments. An inspired Fognini and the power of Berrettini may very well result in a semifinal appearance.

All that being said, our favorite this year is Spain. This team consists of three top 20 players, which includes Nadal (2), Bautista Agut (13) and Carreno Busta (16). Rounding out this team is doubles specialist Marcel Granollers, who is ranked 11th in the world in doubles. Having the option to play Bautista Agut or Carreno Busta depending on the matchup is an incredible advantage, especially considering the fact that most teams will have a weaker singles player to complement the likes of Djokovic, Thiem, and Zverev.

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