Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal Gear For Potential Matchup At ATP Cup

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, the world's top-ranked individuals, will begin their 2021 tennis seasons as members of a team. Just not the same team.

Instead, Djokovic will play for Serbia and Nadal for Spain during the ATP Cup on Feb. 2. The tournament will be held in Melbourne, Australia, ahead of the Australian Open.

The ATP Cup debuted last year with 24 teams. Djokovic and Serbia topped Nadal and Spain for the title. Last year's event took place across three cities, but this year's will all be held in one spot, for obvious reasons.

"The start of this year's tournament has been pushed back by a day to allow more time to train for 72 players confined to their hotel rooms after some passengers on the three charter flights that brought them to Australia tested positive," according to Reuters.

Djokovic won the Australian Open last season. His Serbian team opens against Canada in the ATP Cup and will also face Germany in the group stages. Serbia opens against Australia and Argentina.

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Sam Amico spent 15 years covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated, FOX Sports and NBA.com, along with a few other spots, and currently runs his own basketball website on the side, FortyEightMinutes.com.