Alex cuts Alexander down to size
Sydney, January 3
Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas both crashed to defeat in their first matches of the year as Day 1 of the inaugural ATP Cup sprung some big upsets.
The German world No. 7 was stunned by Australia’s fast-improving Alex de Minaur, who rallied from a set and 2-4 down to win 4-6 7-6(3) 6-2. Greek star Tsitsipas, who won the 2019 season-ending ATP Finals in London and is now ranked six, slumped to a 7-6(6) 7-6(4) loss to young Canadian Denis Shapovalov.
It led to both Germany and Greece being defeated in their opening ties at the 24-nation event, where the countries are split into six groups across Sydney, Brisbane and Perth. The top eight from the round robin go on to the knockout phase in Sydney.
Along with Australia and Canada, Belgium also won, sweeping Moldova 3-0, while tennis minnows Norway pulled off a big 2-1 upset against the United States.
Drawcards Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic make their debut on Saturday.
The ATP Cup, from January 3 to 12, features two ties each day in the three cities during the round robin, comprising two singles matches then a doubles. Almost $15 million in prize money and up to 750 singles and 250 doubles ATP ranking points are at stake.
Anthem gaffe
The organisers were left red-faced by playing the wrong national anthem for a player from Moldova, a small landlocked country in eastern Europe. Tournament officials said the Romanian anthem was played instead. — AFP
