The inaugural ATP Cup takes its first steps in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth today – and fans around the world will be granted unprecedented access as part of the new tournament.
Event organisers have announced a raft of innovations to be employed over the 10 days that pits 24 countries against one another and features Emageo Group’s John Peers as part of Team Australia.
Among the initiatives is:
- Team Zones positioned in the corners of the court to bring the fans closer to the players
- Strategy Rooms providing access to match analysis and team debriefing
- On-Court Coaching allowing captains to guide the players through matches
- LED Integrated Umpires Chair
- Video Review allowing communication between the Chair Umpire and operations to assist with contentious calls
- Full Court LED Screens to heighten the experience inside the arenas
With $22 million of prize money and up to 750 FedEx ATP Ranking points on offer, the new event is set to excite.
Tournament Director Tom Larner said the tournament would bring fans and players closer together and on a bigger scale than ever seen before in tennis.
“The passion, spirit and excitement of team competition, with the players and captains striving to win for their country, and each other, is at the heart of the ATP Cup,” Larner said. “Capturing that essence, and delivering it to fans whether they are in the stadium, watching on TV or following on other platforms, will be a major point of difference.
“The new team zones, positioned in the corners of the court, will bring a highly visible support team to each player, with the captain, players and even coaches, all working together to both cheer their player on, as well as providing detailed coaching advice.
“Everything will be captured and delivered in real time to fans, both in-stadium and watching on TV and online, providing a totally new insight into some of the biggest personalities in the game.”
🇦🇺 #TeamAustralia captain @lleytonhewitt takes a back seat as @NickKyrgios assumes the role of hype man for the “coolest team there is” 😎#ATPCup | #Brisbane pic.twitter.com/wIYC58uYp0
— ATPCup (@ATPCup) January 2, 2020
It was also announced on Thursday that each ace served across the 10-day tournament at all three venues will deliver $100 to the Australian Red Cross bushfire disaster relief and recovery efforts.
Peers has joined his Australian teammates in making a personal donation to those affected by the horrific bushfires for every ace he serves this summer.
I'm going to join you boys and give $100 for every ace I serve over the Australian summer! #servingupsomehelp https://t.co/YVC6NTGgM3
— John Peers (@johnwpeers) January 2, 2020
The Australians face Germany in their opening tie in Brisbane this afternoon.
World No.18 Alex de Minaur will lead the charge for the Australians against German star and world No.7 Alexander Zverev, while No.2 Nick Kyrgios is due to take on Jan-Lennard Struff.
Peers and Chris Guccione are set to team up in the doubles against Kevin Krawietz and Andreas Mies.