Hopman Cup Scrapped & Replaced by ATP Cup from 2020

The Hopman Cup has finally been axed from the annual tennis schedule and replaced by the ATP Cup.

There had long been speculation that the 2019 edition of the Hopman Cup would be the last one with plans for a bigger and more inclusive ATP Cup being planned in its place. And now, it has been confirmed that the ATP Cup will come in during the month of January while the Hopman Cup will be relegated into the annals of the sport.

Hopman Cup, which was founded by a tennis legend Paul McNamee, was first played in 1989 and was hosted in Perth as recently as January 2019. Switzerland were the last winners of the Hopman Cup, beating Germany in the final for the second year running to lift their fourth title.

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McNamee said of the decision:

“[It was] a wonderful event that was embraced by Perth.”

“Nothing could’ve been embraced by the people of the city more than Hopman Cup in Perth, so my immediate feeling is sadness that it’s not going to be there anymore, and concern about where the Hopman Cup may be in the future.”

The new tournament coming in place of the Hopman Cup will see 24 teams take part instead of Hopman Cup’s only eight, and will be played over a 10-day period in January 2020. Three cities, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth will host this competition and more than 100 players can be expected to take part.

What makes this an event that will attract so many players is the fact that 750 ATP ranking points will be on offer and players would be able to warm up for the Australian Open with this tournament.

According to the official ATP website, ATPTour.com, WA Minister for Tourism Paul Papalia MLA said the city is looking forward to hosting the ATP Cup.

He added:

“This new tournament is expected to attract even more media interest, which will provide a valuable opportunity to promote Perth and our State to a global audience.”

The ATP had earlier confirmed Sydney and Brisbane as two of the hosts for the ATP Cup and Perth becomes the latest addition to the list. The final of the first ever ATP Cup will be held in Sydney.