Perth has been named host city for the ATP Cup, the most highly anticipated event in world tennis, which will premiere in January 2020.
“The ATP Cup will launch the global tennis season for the men – this is their event, it means a lot to them and they’ve thrown their support behind it 100 percent,” Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley said as he joined Tennis West CEO Michael Roberts and West Australian Tourism Minister Paul Papalia at the RAC Arena in Perth today.
“Four of the top 12 male players, and eight of the top 24, will play in Perth, with 24 teams competing across three cities – Perth, Brisbane and Sydney.
“With 750 ranking points and $22 million in prize money at stake, along with the honour of standing alongside your teammates and representing your country, we know this will be a spectacular and meaningful event for the players,” Mr Tiley continued.
The exciting format will feature two singles and a doubles match per tie. Two sessions a day, with six days of incredible tennis.
The ATP Cup will be part of the biggest summer of international tennis ever on display in Australia, with the Perth, Brisbane and Sydney events running alongside the Brisbane International women’s event. A new combined men’s and women’s tournament in Adelaide, the Hobart International and an upgraded Canberra Challenger event will follow, all leading into the Australian Open at the end of January.
WA Minister for Tourism Paul Papalia MLA is looking forward to welcoming this exciting new global tennis event to Perth in January.
“Tennis holds a special place in the hearts of many WA people, myself included, and the ATP Cup will ensure we build on that tradition and provide fans with more opportunities to experience world-class tennis in Perth.
“This new tournament is expected to attract even more media interest, which will provide a valuable opportunity to promote Perth and our State to a global audience,” Minister Papalia continued.
World No.1 and President of the ATP Player Council Novak Djokovic has thrown his support behind the ATP Cup.
“I like that it’s owned by ATP, by the players, and that we have ranking points, and it’s going to be the best way to kick start the season. Australia is a country that has a Grand Slam, that nurtures tennis tradition,” Djokovic said.
“More than 90 per cent of the time we’re playing as individuals and we don’t have too many team events. This is going to bring together a lot of nations and for me personally it will be a very nice and proud moment to represent my country.”
“We’re going to kick start the global tennis season every January in Australia with this massive event,” ATP Executive Chairman & President Chris Kermode said.
“We know the ATP Cup will provide a great way to open the season – bringing together the world’s best for a major team event that compliments existing scheduling, provides highly-coveted ATP ranking points and clearly links to the Australian Open.
“The first week of the season is when the players want to play and that’s why the tournament has their strong support. By staging the event with Tennis Australia, which is renowned for its experience as an outstanding event promoter, we know that the tournament will be a great success from year one,” Mr Kermode continued.
“The introduction of the ATP Cup gives us another opportunity to attract new fans to tennis,” Tennis West CEO Michael Roberts said.
“We know these international superstars of our sport will help inspire our kids to pick up a racquet, possibly play competitively and even follow in the footsteps of generations of legendary Australian players. Others may be inspired to have a hit with family and friends, but whatever the level, the end result is not only good for them but good for our community and our nation.”
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