“Less Team’s”: Dan Evans Reveals Revised Structure of ATP Cup 2021

After losing his opening round match at Rolex Paris Masters 2020, Dan Evans brought an end to an impressive season. The British No.1 reached back-to-back semifinals at the European Open and Vienna Open over the last two weeks. To top it up, Evans achieved his highest ever ranking of No.28 in March this year.

Dan Evans on the ATP Cup

Recently, during an interview, Evans talked about the ambiguity surrounding the ATP Cup in January next year. The 30-year-old hinted at the possibility of fewer teams competing for the title and mentioned that ATP will give clarity on the schedule in the coming weeks.

“I have heard a few things that it might be less teams, it might be a different week, so I’m not sure what’s gonna happen, actually. Obviously you just hear different things, so the ATP I think are going to let us know within 10 days I think…” said Evans.

A joint venture between ATP Tour and Tennis Australia, the ATP cup is an international team-based competition that takes place across three Australian different cities. Held for the first time in 2020, Serbia won the inaugural ATP Cup. Novak Djokovic lead his team to victory as he defeated arch-rival, Rafael Nadal, in straight sets and then played a crucial role in the deciding doubles match.

Due to the strict quarantine protocols, Tennis Australia chief, Craig Tiley, is skeptical about the tournament’s schedule right now. Tiley feels they will need the government’s commitment and support of health officers to conduct the multi-city event.

Meanwhile, Evans’ loss at Paris Bercy happened at the hands of three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka. It was Evans’ fifth straight loss to Wawrinka, although the Brit had match points during their clash at St. Petersburg last month.