Spain, which was already a finalist in the inaugural edition of the ATP Cup in 2020, returns to competition this season that begins on January 1. It will be framed in Group A, along with Serbia, Norway and Chile.
Before making their debut in the competition that brings together 16 teams of the highest ranked players on the ATP Tour, three members of Team Spain reviewed with the media their options and how they arrive at the premiere this Saturday.
“It is our second day of training. There are still some colleagues who have not arrived, ”said Bautista, referring to the absences of Albert Ramos Viñolas and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina at the press conference. “I think we have a very complete team. We have good players and the training sessions have been good ”.
Players who have already landed in Sydney, have had the opportunity to test the stage where the test is held. And these are the feelings of the Castellón: “The tracks and conditions are faster than in Spain, because we are there in winter now, but we have enough time to adapt to the conditions and start Saturday well.”
Both for Bautista, who occupies the role of No. 1, and for Pablo Carreño Busta, who will be the No. 2 player, it will be the second experience in the competition. “In this competition there are three points, it is very important to have a good team, not just a good No. 1. I think that is the case of Spain, which has a good team, a good No. 1, with Roberto, but also No. 2, 3, 4 and 5 “, warns the Asturian.
Ranked No. 19 and No. 20 in the FedEx ATP Rankings, there is hardly any difference between the world rankings between the two. “We know that the point of No. 2 is very important,” admits Carreño. “I have, in this case, a lot of responsibility, because we know that the rivals have a Top 10 or similar as No. 1, and perhaps we need to win the first point to get ahead in scoring and try, in my case, to win all possible points. ”.
For his part, Bautista already had the experience of serving as Rafael Nadal’s No. 2 in 2020 and being No. 1 in 2021. “It’s a bit different. When I was No. 1, I used to play against Top 10 rivals, when I was second my rivals were not of the same level, “he recalls. “I think the 2020 ATP Cup was one of the best tournaments I have ever played. The organization and the tournament were incredible. We had the opportunity to play in the Perth group and reach the final in Sydney, where we lost in the deciding doubles. It was a great experience in 2020 ”.
Finally, Pedro Martínez, who will make his ATP Cup debut, showed his blind trust in his teammates. “I am very happy to be in the Spanish team. I’m No. 5, but I’m here to try to help the team in any way I can. I think we have a great team. These two players can beat anyone on the circuit. We can also have good options in the doubles ”, closed the Valencian.
Spain will debut against Chile this Saturday at 00.00 on January 1 (Spanish time), led by Pablo Carreño (vs Alejandro Tabilo) and will be followed by Roberto Bautista (vs Cristian Garín).
