Murray will lead Britain in ATP Cup

GREAT BRITAIN are to participate in the new £12.4million ATP Cup team competition in January after Andy Murray decided he wants to play. Despite being sceptical about the January date, Murray yesterday exercised his right to enter the GB team under his protected ranking of No 3, which guarantees qualification. So Britain will now join 23 other nations in the men-only team event leading into the Australian Open, which has controversially spelt the end of the mixed Hopman Cup. The tournament will start on January 3 and will be played in different cities around Australia, with the final taking place in Sydney on January 12. Great Britain are expected to play their group section against three other teams in Perth, where there is a large expat population. The format involves each tie featuring two singles and one doubles match — and will come only six weeks after the year-ending new Davis Cup finals week in Madrid, which Murray is not alone in believing to be highly unsatisfactory. As the highest-ranked player under his injury-protected listing, it should assure him a minimal three singles matches — fitness permitting — in the build-up to Melbourne. The ATP Cup will offer ranking points and prize money for each individual match, with a sliding appearance fee for players. As Murray is considered world No 3 for entry purposes, he will make a minimum £208,000 for his participation, which has also permitted the rest of the five-man squad — expected to include his brother Jamie — to have a significant earning opportunity.