Rafa Nadal landed on Monday in Perth at the head of the Spanish team that will play the ATP Cup 2020, a brand new competition for nations where the recent Davis Cup winner starts as a favorite. The 'number one' in the world leads the team led by Francis Roig, who will share Group B together with Japan, Georgia and Uruguay.

"Spain is a strong candidate for the title," Roig said in a recent interview with the ATP, where he also highlighted the "incredible" moment of Nadal's form. "His tennis has reached an extraordinary level. He has full confidence and the serve has become a great resource," added the Spanish captain.

Roig, who was part of his coaching staff since 2005, comes to accompany Nadal during his preseason in Mallorca. "He has found a very good form in a short time. He is an incredible competitor," he said after

The other great trick of the team will be Roberto Bautista, the great protagonist of Davis, to conquer a decisive point in the final just a few hours after the death of his father. The Spaniard is part two in an expedition that also includes Pablo Carreño and Feliciano López.

Djokovic, Medvedev, Zverev ...

Spain will play its Round Robin matches against Japan, led by Kei Nishikori, Georgia, with Nikoloz Basilashvili in front and Uruguay, commanded by Pablo Cuevas.

In this first phase of the ATP Cup, 24 teams participate, divided into six groups, distributed in Brisbane and Sydney. The six group winners and the two best seconds will advance to the final phase, which are played at the Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney between January 9 and 12.

Among the other candidates for the title include Russia, which has Daniil Medvedev or Karen Khachanov; Canada, with Denis Shapovalov and Felix Auger-Aliassime; Australia, with Alex de Miñaur and Nick Kyrgios; Serbia, with Novak Djokovic; and Germany, with Alexander Zverev.

The format will also keep other similarities with Davis, since each tie will include three matches (two singles and one doubles), all played to the best of three sets. In total, the organization distributes 15 million dollars in prizes and a maximum of 750 points for the ATP ranking.

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