Sydney and Brisbane are two of the three cities that has been named to host the multi-million dollar ATP Cup from 2020.
The two cities have beaten competition from other parts of Australia to host the re-launched team event, which is seen as a major threat to the Davis Cup. From next year, the ATP season will start with a 24-team competition. Held over 10 days, ties will consist of two singles and one doubles match. On offer will be a maximum of 750 ranking points for the winner as well as a mouthwatering prize money pool of $15 million.
“The ATP Cup fits perfectly with our strategy to innovate and look towards the future. We know from our extensive discussions with the players that the ATP Cup will provide a great way for them to open their 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,” ATP CEO Chris Kermode said in a statement.
“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.”
Sydney has secured the finals matches until 2022. Under the plan, the Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre will have a $50.5 million upgrade. Including building a roof over its premier court. Meanwhile, Brisbane will hold ties at the Queensland Tennis Centre. Venue of the Brisbane International.
The selection of Sydney has been praised by the local government, which predicts the new competition could bring almost an extra $40 million to the local economy. NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall has hailed the move.
“This is another coup for our State, not only for athletes and sporting fans but the wider NSW community who are set to win from the estimated $36.5 million injection into our local economy,” Mr Marshall said.
A third city for the ATP Cup will be announced in due course. It is understood that both Adelaide and Perth are in the running to be selected.
What about the others?
In the wake of the new ATP Cup, other tennis tournaments face an uncertain future. It has already been confirmed that Brisbane will likely not host a men’s singles tournament from 2020 after doing so for 11 years in a row. However, the women’s tournament in the city looks set to remain.
There are also unanswered questions about what will happen to the Sydney International in the future. The tournament has hosted both men’s and women’s draws since 1885. Making it one of the longest running tennis tournaments in the country.
Should Perth get selected as the third venue for the ATP Cup, it could spell the end of the Hopman Cup. A mixed team competition that has proven successful since its launch in 1989. This year’s field included Roger Federer, Serena Williams and Alexander Zverev.
“We had an unbelievable event here for so many years — the Hopman Cup has been very successful from a player’s viewpoint,” said three-time champion Federer.
“The players have always enjoyed this event, so let’s hope it continues in some shape and form.’
“Where and how and what, honestly I don’t know.”
In reality is it likely the Hopman Cup is coming to an end. Tennis Australia does currently have a contract with the West Australian government to run the event until 2022. Although it is unclear how it would survive in the absence of star players from the men’s tour, who decides to play in the ATP Cup.
Whilst the mixed team tournament looks to be approaching its end, there is talk about creating a brand new women’s event. Although few details have been given about the idea and where it would potentially be held.
The 2020 ATP Cup will take place between January 3-12.
