Rafael Nadal to lead Spain at 2021 ATP Cup

World no. 2 Rafael Nadal will defend the national colors at the second edition of the ATP Cup between February 1-5, together with Roberto Bautista Agut, Pablo Carreno Busta and Marcel Granollers.

The second ATP Cup gathers 12 countries in a more reduced format from what we saw in 2020, with four group winners reaching the semi-final in the last preparation ahead of the first Major of the season at the Australian Open that starts three days after the final. As Marca reports, Spain will bring the strongest team in the opening week of February, lead by the 20-time Major champion Nadal, who will kick off the season at the ATP team event.

Nadal played six ATP Cup matches in 2020, beating Nikoloz Basilashvili, Pablo Cuevas and Yoshihito Nishioka before losing to David Goffin. Rafa prevailed over Alex de Minaur in the semis, helping Spain to reach the title match against Serbia. Nadal lost to Djokovic 6-2, 7-6 in an hour and 55 minutes in the first notable match of the season, failing to win the title as Spain lost the deciding doubles encounter.

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After Antalya and Delray Beach that kicks off next week, players will travel to Melbourne, experience a two-week quarantine and compete in Melbourne in February's first week at the ATP Cup and two ATP 250 events.

Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem and other players from the top should compete at the ATP Cup.