Cameron Norrie is aware of he would be the hunted slightly than the hunter as he prepares to steer Nice Britain of their ATP Cup marketing campaign to kick off 2022.
Lower than 4 weeks after the final season ended with Russia lifting the Davis Cup trophy, the tennis calendar kicks off once more with a really related occasion in Sydney.
After exiting within the group levels of the inaugural competitors in 2020, Britain didn’t qualify final yr however Norrie’s surprising rise to the verge of the highest 10 means they’re again within the subject.
Their marketing campaign begins on Sunday with a rematch in opposition to Germany, who they misplaced to within the Davis Cup quarter-finals, and it will likely be an excellent more durable task with Alexander Zverev within the German crew.
The draw was not form to Britain, who additionally tackle Canada and the USA in group matches, that means singles matches for Norrie in opposition to Zverev, Felix Auger-Aliassime and Taylor Fritz.
“It’s precisely the place I need to be, and precisely the matches I need to be taking part in and have this type of preparation for the Australian Open and be seeded,” stated the world No 2.
“I can’t complain. I’m trying ahead to the problem forward. I feel it’s only a barely totally different mindset.
“A number of the time final yr I used to be being the underdog and going out and looking these guys, whereas now I feel a few of the time it’s going to be individuals looking me.
“The strain solely will get extra, however I’m trying ahead to it and feeling good bodily and excited to kick off the yr in such an ideal crew occasion.”
Dan Evans will probably be Britain’s No2, whereas Joe Salisbury and Jamie Murray crew up in doubles. The captain’s position, in the meantime, is being fulfilled by singles No3 Liam Broady.
He stated: “I feel everyone seems to be feeling assured. We’re right here to win the occasion. I’ve heard the fellows say that just a few instances already.
“For me, first time as a captain, it’s a reasonably new expertise. Having to go to captains’ conferences and organise the crew equipment and stuff like that could be a pleasure. We’ll do one of the best we will.”
With solely two weeks to heat up for the season’s first grand slam in Melbourne, it’s all the time a busy interval.
Covid-19 threatens to trigger main issues, with numerous gamers pressured to withdraw from the ATP Cup and different occasions already.
World No1 Novak Djokovic pulled out of Serbia’s crew with out rationalization and the ready goes on to see whether or not the nine-time Australian Open champion and vaccine sceptic will make it to Melbourne.
In addition to the ATP Cup, there are ATP and WTA occasions in Melbourne and Adelaide.
Rafael Nadal expressed doubts about travelling Down Below even earlier than a bout of coronavirus as he prepares for his predominant tour return following a foot downside, however the Spaniard has made it to Melbourne and headlines the ATP occasion there.
Andy Murray may have breathed an enormous sigh of reduction when he stepped off the aircraft having missed out final yr following a constructive check for Covid-19, and the 34-year-old is about to play on the Australian Open for the primary time since emotionally opening up about his hip issues three years in the past.
After two-and-a-half years of bodily struggles, the final six months have introduced renewed optimism that Murray might have some highlights left in his profession.
A lot consideration will in fact give attention to US Open champion Emma Raducanu, who has overcome her personal bout of coronavirus and can kick off her first full season in Melbourne.
Raducanu will play her first occasion with new German coach Torben Beltz in her nook earlier than competing in simply her third grand slam match.
Additionally starting her season in Melbourne is Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka, who’s again on tour for the primary time for the reason that US Open after her psychological well being struggles, whereas world No1 Ashleigh Barty is the highest seed in Adelaide.
Kaynak: briturkish.com
