Roger Federer has dropped out of the ATP Cup in “When I entered the event last month, it was
th, it was a really
January, meaning there will be no showdown with
Andy Murray.
The 38-year-old, currently ranked three in the world,
had committed to playing the inaugural tournament
in Australia at the start of 2020, but has opted out in
order to spend more time with his family. The team
competition sees 24 countries compete against each
other – initially in a round-robin group stage – and
Federer’s Switzerland side were scheduled to start
their campaign against Murray’s Great Britain in
Sydney on January 3. It would have been the first
meeting between the two since a semi-final in
Cincinnati four years ago. But with the veteran
desperate to try and win a maiden Olympic gold
medal in Tokyo in August, he is keen to keep himself
fresh.
“It is with great regret that I am withdrawing from the
inaugural ATP Cup event,” said Federer on the
tournament’s official website.
difficult decision because it meant less time at home
with the family and a fully intense start to the season.
“After much discussion with both my family and my
team about the year ahead, I have decided that the
extra two weeks at home will be beneficial for both
my family and my tennis.
“It pains me to not be a part of the most exciting new
event on the calendar. But this is the right thing to do
if I want to continue to play for a longer period of time
on the ATP Tour.
“I am sorry for any inconvenience or disappointment
my withdrawal may cause for the fans, but I hope you
can understand why I made it. Murray looking to the
future after remarkable European Open victory “For
my Australian fans, I look forward to seeing you all at
the Australian Open, fresh and ready to go”