DESPITE withdrawals left, right and centre from the ATP Cup, Group C has remained relatively stable and shapes up as the most even group across the four nations. It not only stacks up in terms of evenness, but in top-end quality as well, with each of the nations likely to push for qualification in at least two of the other three groups. This group features, Germany, Canada, Great Britain and United States, all of whom have potentially strong doubles pairings.

GROUP C FIXTURES:

Canada vs. USA – January 2, Qudos Bank Arena
Germany vs. Great Britain – January 2, Qudos Bank Arena
Germany vs. USA – January 4, Ken Rosewall Arena
Canada vs. Great Britain – January 4, Ken Rosewall Arena
Great Britain vs. USA – January 6, Qudos Bank Arena
Germany vs. Canada – January 6, Qudos Bank Arena

The most exciting group of the tournament, two North American rivals and two underrated European nations form the competition countries. Canada could arguably have the front-running spot with the two Top 15 talents in Felix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov. But the big question mark over the Canadians is the depth, with no Milos Raonic or Vasek Pospisil, and their best doubles combination is in fact Auger-Aliassime and Shapovalov. Can they afford to play every match in the tournament if they drop a singles?

Germany is shaping up as an underdog in the tournament, fresh off a semi-finals appearance at the Davis Cup. The German doubles pairing of Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz is what set them apart from others at the November team event. Though now the side is even stronger with world number three Alexander Zverev returning to the fold to join Jan-Lennard Struff who will have the luxury of being the second singles player again. He might go 50/50 across this group, but with Zverev likely to clean up his results and the doubles pairing as reliable as any, Germany is a good chance to advance.

Great Britain brought in specialist doubles player Jamie Murray to team up with Joe Salisbury for this event, making them an even stronger pairing than the German doubles duo. The in-form Cameron Norrie and Daniel Evans headline the singles, which should give them a good chance. The issue will be against Canada in both those matches, even though they should claim the doubles. Where against Germany, the Evans-Struff match is absolutely crucial for Evans to claim.

The United States are the clear fourth side, but still a strong nation. Taylor Fritz and John Isner headline the singles, with Brandon Nakashima earning a crack after a breakout season. They are unlikely to be strong enough to win both singles or a singles and a doubles against the other three nations. Had the United States been in Group D for example, then they would likely be favourites to advance to the final four, but Group C is cuthroat.

PREDICTION:

It is so hard to pick a winner in this group, with the safe bet being Germany. At their best, the Canadian duo are more than capable of winning both singles so as not to need the doubles tie – though they likely will against Germany. Great Britain just need to win one singles and will likely take care of the deciding match in the doubles, whilst the United States look likely to finish fourth in a tough group.