TENNIS: Rafael Nadal to face his old rival Novak Djokovic as Spain and Serbia set up ATP Cup final

By Tony Winterburn • Published: 12 Jan 2020 • 11:39

Rafael Nadal and his old rival Novak Djokovic are to meet again for the 55th time to decide the winner of a new team tournament. Nadal beats Alex de Minaur to seal Spain’s win over Australia and Djokovic earlier defeated Russia’s Daniil Medvedev in three sets

Sunday’s final of the ATP Cup at Sydney’s Olympic Park promises to be the rowdiest conclusion to the new 24-nation tournament, played out by familiar faces. The fact Nadal and Djokovic are there for Spain and Serbia, respectively, makes it special.

The two best players in the world have not met in this new tournament, which began 10 days ago and has gathered momentum from a low base of public recognition. But now Nadal, the world No 1, and Djokovic, just behind him, must assert themselves when Spain play Serbia in a packed house at the Ken Rosewall Arena.

Rafael Nadal:

“It’s going to be a super tough final against Serbia. Novak likes to play here and Serbia has a great team and is playing very well. But Roberto played an amazing match this afternoon and we have a good team, so we are ready for it.”

Djokovic’s head-turning 6-1 5-7 6-4 victory over Daniil Medvedev added to Serbia’s earlier singles result to book their place in the competition’s final showdown. The Serbian dominated the first set with a game-plan that nullified the rangy Russian’s strengths, before Medvedev rallied to level the semi-final clash.