THE ATP CUP: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW...

HOW DOES THIS NEW COMPETITION WORK? There are 24 countries competing, between January 3 and 12. Perth, Sydney and Brisbane are hosting two groups each, with group winners and two runners-up converging on Sydney for the quarter-finals onwards. Each match features two singles and a doubles. HAVEN’T WE JUST HAD THE DAVIS CUP?

Indeed, but this event is being run by the ATP Tour as a rival to the Davis Cup, which is organised by global governing body the International Tennis Federation and Gerard Pique’s Kosmos group. Yes, to any onlooker it seems ridiculous.

ARE ALL THE TOP PLAYERS FEATURING?

Virtually all — Switzerland’s stars being the notable exception. When he found out

Stan Wawrinka was not playing, Roger Federer organised yet another lucrative exhibition, in China, and cancelled his appearance.

AND GB’S CHANCES?

They’re not helped by the absence of Andy Murray, but there is still a decent nucleus of Dan Evans, Cam Norrie, Jamie Murray and Joe Salisbury. They are in a weak group, with Belgium, Moldova and Bulgaria. Kyle Edmund should be there on merit, but his ranking was not high enough at the cut-off point.

WHAT’S NEW?

There will be ‘team zones’ in the corners of the court, where players will interact with captain and colleagues during the match. Fans will get behind-the-scenes looks — including ‘strategy rooms’ which will shed light on match analysis and debriefing.