Djokovic still perfect at ATP Cup as Nadal withdraws

NOVAK DJOKOVIC continued his unbeaten record at the ATP Cup but Rafael Nadal caused concern by pulling out of Spain’s opening contest with a sore back.

The world No.2 had been due to feature in Spain’s clash with hosts Australia at Melbourne Park but wrote on Twitter: “Hi all, we have decided with Team Spain and my team, to not play today the first match of the ATP Cup here in Melbourne since I have a stiff low back.

“Hopefully I’ll be better Thursday.”

The decision appeared to be a precaution, with Nadal actively supporting his team-mates from the sidelines.

And Spain coped well without for the 20-time grand slam champion, wrapping up victory with two singles wins. Djokovic won all eight singles and doubles match in the inaugural edition of the tournament – which pits national teams against each other – last year to propel Serbia to the title.

He picked up where he left off with a 7-5 7-5 victory over Canada’s Denis Shapovalov and then teamed up with Filip Krajinovic to win the deciding doubles after Milos Raonic had beaten Dusan Lajovic.

Meanwhile, World number one Ashleigh Barty and US Open champion Naomi Osaka both recorded strong wins to start their seasons in Australia.

Barty was playing her first official match for nearly a year having chosen to stay at home in Australia when the tour resumed last summer following the coronavirus-related shutdown.

The 24-year-old is the top seed in the Yarra Valley Classic and she was a convincing 6-3 6-3 winner against Ana Bogdan.

Barty said: “I think overall I felt pretty good. Ana did an exceptional job in making me play to a very high standard.”