ATP Cup 2021: Alex de Minaur aims to surprise Rafael Nadal
Alex de Minaur gave Rafael Nadal a run for his money in last year’s ATP Cup and is determined to show he’s an even better player this time around.
Alex de Minaur will get the chance to exact revenge against Rafael Nadal in an ATP Cup blockbuster rematch on the first night of the international teams’ tournament.
The ATP Cup schedule was released on Monday night, with Australia to face Spain next Tuesday before a match-up with the Stefanos Tsitsipas-led Greeks the following evening.
De Minaur pinched the first set off Nadal in the countries’ semi-final clash at last year’s inaugural event, only to lose to the 20-times grand slam champion for the third time in as many meetings.
However, the world No.23 – fresh from winning the season-opening Antalya title – feels he’s “going in the right direction” against Nadal.
“It’s very exciting. To be honest, (knowing) my first match in the Australian summer is going to be against one of the greats is pretty special, so I’m really looking forward to it,” de Minaur said.
“I had a great match against him last year, so hopefully I can come out and bring a very high level again – that’s the plan.
“I knew going in there my matches were going to be absolutely brutal, but it’s a great test to see where I’m at, but hopefully I can go out there and play some of my best tennis.”
Only 12 countries are competing in this edition of the ATP Cup, with qualification based on the ranking of their No.1 player.
Australia received a wildcard entry as the host nation, with John Millman – who will lock horns with Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut – and doubles pair John Peers and Luke Saville rounding out the squad.
Serbia, Canada, Austria, Italy, Argentina, Russia, Germany, France and Japan join Australia, Spain and Greece in the tournament.
Australia’s hopes of repeating last year’s run to the final four could depend on de Minaur’s ability to dethrone Nadal.
The 21-year-old managed to defeat Alex Zverev and Denis Shapovalov earlier in the event.
“He’s one of those guys that if you drop concentration just a tiny bit, he’s going to be all over you,” de Minaur said of playing Nadal. “He doesn’t give a lot of free points at all and obviously he’s out there trying to win every single point.
“It’s a lot of pressure, but I’m looking forward to it and this is where I want to be – playing these guys – so it’s a great opportunity for me.”
The ATP Cup start date was pushed back from Monday to Tuesday to afford quarantined players extra practice time.
Fans wanting to watch ATP Cup Group A and B matches will need to buy a Rod Laver Arena Zone ticket, while a John Cain Arena Zone ticket is required for Group C and D matches.
Group stage tickets cost $20 for adults and $5 for kids and go on sale on Thursday from noon AEDT via Ticketmaster.
ATP CUP SCHEDULE
February 2: Day 1
Group A: Serbia v Canada (10am AEDT)
Group B: Spain v Australia (5.30pm)
Group C: Austria v Italy (10am)
Group D: Russia v Argentina (5.30pm)
February 3: Day 2
Group A: Germany v Canada (10am)
Group B: Greece v Australia (5.30pm)
Group C: Italy v France (10am)
Group D: Russia v Japan (5.30pm)
February 4: Day 3
Group A: Serbia v Germany (10am)
Group B: Spain v Greece (5.30pm)
Group C: Austria v France (10am)
Group D: Argentina v Japan (5.30pm)
February 5, Day 4
Semi-final 1 (5.30pm — Rod Laver Arena)
Winner Group A v Winner Group D
Semi-final 2 (5.30pm — John Cain Arena)
Winner Group B v Winner Group C
February 6, Day 5
Final (5.30pm)
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