AFTER missing out on featuring in the 2021 ATP Cup, Chile makes its return to the Australian team event next year. In 2020, Chile did not manage to make it past the group stage, but it will hope that 2022 is a little different, though the South American nation has copped a tough group.

2022 CHILE TEAM

Cristian Garin
Alejandro Tabilo
Tomas Barrios Vera

Chile is the 12th ranked nation at the event thanks to first singles player Garin’s Top 20 ranking. Despite being ranked one spot ahead of Spain (also in Group A), life will be difficult for Chile in all three matches. One positive the South American nation has on its side is the fact that the three players – Garin, Tabilo and Barrios Vera – are familiar with the ATP Cup format, having all competed at the event in 2020.

Despite competing at the 2020 Cup, Chile lost all three games – to eventual winners Serbia, France, and South Africa. The two matches they won within the ties were both doubles, where Garin teamed up with Tabilo, and also one where he teamed up with Nicolas Jarry. Chile will hope to improve its record from that competition, with the sides reduced down from 24 to 16 by now.

Chile come up against the top ranked Serbia again, as well as Norway and Spain. The depth of Spain will likely be too much for Chile, even if Garin can get the win over Roberto Bautista Agut in the number one singles. Norway is an easier proposition, with Chile having higher ranked players than the respective Norway talents, and perhaps would even be favourites for that. Casper Ruud should take care of Garin on hard court, but Tabilo would be the favourite in the second singles.

Overall it looks unlikely that Chile will advance, but with a good chance in the doubles, they could secure their first ATP Cup win in the nation’s history. Group A looks to be Serbia – and world number one Novak Djokovic‘s – to lose.

Prediction: 3rd in Group A