mobanmarketParis: Roger Federer said on Wednesday he has withdrawn from the inaugural ATP Cup in Australia in January next year so he can spend more time with his family.
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Federer’s decision to withdraw means Switzerland can no longer take part in the nation-based event on January 3-12 and that six more countries will now qualify, based on the world rankings of their top players.
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“It is with great regret that I am withdrawing from the inaugural ATP Cup event,” Federer, who is currently ranked No. 3 in the world, said.
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“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.
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“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.”
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The $15 million ATP Cup will be hosted in Brisbane, Perth and Sydney.
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Eighteen countries qualified for the tournament after a first round deadline in September, with hosts Australia given a wildcard spot.
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The six additional nations will be added after the second entry deadline on November 13. The countries will play in six groups of four for group stage, round-robin play, with the group winners and the two best second-placed finishers across the groups reaching the ATP Cup Finals in Sydney.
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Each tie comprises two singles and one doubles match.
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Top-ranked Novak Djokovic and world No. 2 Rafa Nadal have confirmed they will play, as has former world No. 1 Andy Murray.
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