Cameron Norrie ready to be targeted as Britain's No.1 in the ATP Cup
- Sean Fisher
- 31 December 2021
Britain face Germany in Sydney on Sunday as they kick off their 2022 campaign at the ATP Cup.
As Team GB prepare to kick off their ATP Cup campaign, Cameron Norrie has acknowledged that there's a target on his head due to his world ranking.
It was just four weeks ago that the last season ended with Russia lifting the Davis Cup trophy, but the tennis calendar is already prepared to kick off again in Sydney.
After exiting in the group stages of the inaugural competition in 2020, Britain did not qualify last year but Norrie's unexpected rise to the verge of the top 10 means they are back in contention.
Their campaign begins on Sunday with a rematch against Germany, who toppled them in the Davis Cup quarter-finals. With Alexander Zverev spearheading the German team it'll be a tough task.
The draw was not kind to Britain, who also take on Canada and the USA in group matches, meaning singles matches for Norrie against Zverev, Felix Auger-Aliassime and Taylor Fritz.
"It's exactly where I want to be, and exactly the matches I want to be playing and have this kind of preparation for the Australian Open and be seeded," said the world number 12.
Tomorrow, tennis is back 🙌#ATPCup pic.twitter.com/Lpru56bvLQ — ATPCup (@ATPCup) December 31, 2021
"I can't complain. I'm looking forward to the challenge ahead. I think it's just a slightly different mindset.
"A lot of the time last year I was being the underdog and going out and hunting those guys, whereas now I think some of the time it's going to be people hunting me.
"The pressure only gets more, but I'm looking forward to it and feeling good physically and excited to kick off the year in such a great team event."
Dan Evans is assigned as Britain's number two, while Joe Salisbury and Jamie Murray team up in doubles. The captain's role, meanwhile, is being fulfilled by singles number three Liam Broady.
Five-time finalist @andy_murray is awarded a main draw wildcard. "Andy is renowned for his fighting spirit, passion and love of the game and I'm delighted to welcome him back to Melbourne in January." – @CraigTiley We can't wait to see you at #AO2022, Andy 💪💙#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/pJpBy4qXQT — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) December 23, 2021
He said: "I think everyone is feeling confident. We're here to win the event. I've heard the guys say that a few times already.
"For me, first time as a captain, it's a pretty new experience. Having to go to captains' meetings and organise the team kit and stuff like that is a pleasure. We'll do the best we can."
