Novak Djokovic confirmed to play in ATP Cup in Australia

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic is set to play in the 2022 ATP Cup in Sydney, Australia in the first week of January. He will be part of the Serbian team, which is one of 16 teams set to take part in the tournament. 

A statement on the ATP website confirmed Djokovic’s participation, with Serbia securing the top seed for the competition. 

“Top seed Serbia, headlined by World No. 1 Novak Djokovic, will lead Group A, which will also feature Norway, Chile, and Spain. Two years ago, Serbia lifted the trophy at the inaugural ATP Cup by defeating Spain in the championship match,” said the statement. 

There was a mystery regarding Djokovic’s participation in next year’s Australian Open due to the vaccine mandate enforced by the Victoria government for the tournament. The World No. 1 has been coy about his vaccination status, which resulted in many predicting that he would miss the opening Grand Slam of the tournament. 

With him taking part in the ATP Cup, there’s a big chance he will compete at the Australian Open, where he will be gunning for his 10th men’s singles title at the tournament. 

Serbia has been placed in Group A alongside Norway, Chile, and Spain, while defending champions Russia, Austria, Italy and hosts Australia are in Group B. Germany, Great Britain, Canada, and the USA will be in Group C, while Group D comprises Argentina, Poland, Greece, and Georgia. 

The tournament has a strong list of players, which ATP Cup Tournament Director Tom Larner spoke about at the draw. 

“The playing group enjoys representing their countries and to see 18 of the world’s Top 20 players commit to the event is testament to that. The event shows off the passion the playing group has for this format and we look forward to welcoming all 16 teams to Sydney later this month,” said Larner. 

Apart from Djokovic, big-name stars like Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev, and Stefanos Tsitsipas will play at the ATP Cup. 

Countries will have to play one doubles match and two singles match against each country in their group, and the country that tops the group will progress to the semi-finals. The ATP Cup will be held between January 1 and January 9, 2022, at the Sydney Super Dome and the Ken Rosewall Arena. 

The competition will be the precursor to the Australian Open, which will take place between January 17 and January 30, 2022.