TWO tournament favourites will go head to head in a group that has copped its fair share of withdrawals prior to the 2022 ATP Cup. Austrian top star Dominic Thiem withdrew from the January 1 tournament in order to get extra recovery in ahead of the Australian Open, and in the last week, Russia’s Andrey Rublev has tested positive to COVID-19 in his home city of Barcelona. Though still working out the schedule on Rublev’s return, it appears unlikely that he will compete on-court six days after announcing his positive test.

GROUP B FIXTURES:

Russia vs. Austria – January 2, Ken Rosewall Arena
Italy vs. Australia – January 2, Ken Rosewall Arena
Italy vs. Austria – January 4, Qudos Bank Arena
Russia vs. Australia – January 4, Qudos Bank Arena
Russia vs. Italy – January 6, Ken Rosewall Arena
Austria vs. Australia – January 6, Ken Rosewall Arena

The withdrawals open the door for both Italy and Australia, with Russia the early overwhelming favourites in this group. Led by Daniil Medvedev, the Russians took out the 2021 Davis Cup, and were eyeing off the ATP Cup as well. With the potential loss of Rublev, it means Australian Open semi-finalist Aslan Karatsev will step up to the second singles role. He will hardly be needed against a weakened Austrian outfit on January 2, with no Thiem meaning no Austria.

It buys Rublev time to potentially et back for the critical clash with Italy, as a loss for either side pretty much puts a line through their chances of progressing to the semi-finals. Italy are at full-strength with Matteo Berrettini returning after missing the Davis Cup, and Jannik Sinner, Lorenzo Sonego and Fabio Fognini round up a deep-batting squad. Like Russia, Italy should take care of Australia and Austria without too many troubles, though Australia has the potential to upset the apple cart.

Whilst Austria’s top ranked player is Dennis Novak who flirts with being a Top 100 player on and off, Australia’s Alex de Minaur is capable of causing an upset, particularly on his home court. James Duckworth earned his second singles spot off the back of great form in the second half of last year, but was surprisingly omitted from the Davis Cup squad. Both will take it up to Sinner and Sonego, with the green and gold likely to cause some headaches. Australia should knock off Austria, but that game comes last, so they get the baptism of fire up first with Russia and Italy, in what is the toughest group for the home nation.

PREDICTION:

Russia should still be favourites to advance with, or without Rublev. They have enough depth to replace him, and Medvedev is near-unbeatable at this point in time. Italy is the clear threat and could equally be seen as favourites given the nation remains full-strength and capable in singles and doubles. Australia should come next, with a third spot beckoning, though have some potential of causing upsets. Austria seems like the clear fourth side in the group, with Thiem initially being the only one likely of winning matches.