Becker gets an ATP Cup role

– Six-time Grand Slam champion Boris Becker (right) will captain Germany at next year’s inaugural ATP Cup, while fellow former world number ones Marat Safin and Thomas Muster will lead Russia and Austria at the nation-based tournament.

Becker, who won his first major title at Wimbledon in 1985, was chosen by world No 7 Alexander Zverev to captain Germany, who are drawn in Group F alongside Greece, Canada and hosts Australia and play their matches in Brisbane.

The 24-nation ATP Cup will take place from January 3rd - 12th in Brisbane, Perth and Sydney.

“We have a strong chance

London

in an extremely competitive section of the draw,” Becker said in an ATP Cup media release.

“Playing against the very best and representing your country sets the tone, sets the sport. I think we’re going to see amazing tennis.”

Safin, who won the US

Open in 2000 and the centenary Australian Open five years later, will lead a Russian team that includes world No 4 Daniil Medvedev and No 17 Karen Khachanov.

“We have a real chance of winning the first cup with the calibre of players we have in the Russian side and I’ll be doing everything I can to make that happen from the bench,” he said.

Russia face Italy, the US and Norway in Group D and play their group games in Perth.

The winners of the six groups and the two best second-placed finishers reach the ATP Cup Finals in Sydney. Each tie comprises two singles and one doubles match. – Reuters