SYDNEY: Russian Daniil Medvedev’s 2022 season opened with a stunning defeat at the hands of Frenchman Ugo Humbert at the ATP Cup on Sunday, while Italy’s Matteo Berrettini suffered a straight-sets loss to Australian Alex de Minaur.

World number two Medvedev had been expected to seal the Group ‘B’ tie for Russia after Roman Safiullin beat Arthur Rinderknech 2-6, 7-5, 6-3 in the opening singles, but Humbert’s 6-7 (5-7), 7-5, 7-6 (7-2) victory kept France alive at 1-1 going into the doubles.

Medvedev, however, changed his shirt and returned to the Ken Rosewall arena alongside Safiullin to clinch the tie for the defending champions with a 6-4, 6-4 win over Fabrice Martin and Edouard Roger-Vasselin.

“I’m feeling very bad physically, that’s all I can say,” Medvedev said.

Russia are in a tough group that also includes hosts Australia and 2021 runners-up Italy, led by world number seven Berrettini, who was also beaten, crashing to 34th-ranked de Minaur 6-3, 7-6 (7-4).

“I’ve worked really hard to be here, I’m in the best shape of my life and ready to have a big year,” said de Minaur, in front of a noisy home crowd.

Earlier, Italian number two Jannik Sinner crushed Australia’s Max Purcell 6-1, 6-3.

Berrettini returned for the doubles decider alongside Simone Bolelli but the duo were no match for John Peers and Luke Saville, who clinched the tie with a 6-3 7-5 win.

Only the winning nations progress to the semi-finals from each of the four groups in the event, which runs until January 9.

Dan Evans proved to be the unlikely hero for Britain in Group ‘C’ when he won two matches, including the crucial doubles rubber with Jamie Murray, to guide them to a 2-1 victory over Germany.

Evans powered past Jan-Lennard Struff 6-1, 6-2 to give Britain the lead before world number three Alexander Zverev restored parity with a 7-6 (7-2), 6-1 win over the up-and-coming Cameron Norrie.

“The first match of the year is never going to be the best match of you’re life. But I’m pretty happy as I did my job. We’re here to try and win,” said Zverev.

But Evans played spoiler as he and Murray swept to a comfortable 6-3 6-4 victory over Zverev and Kevin Krawietz to take the tie at Sydney’s Olympic Park.

The United States, meanwhile, won their clash against Canada 3-0, with big-serving veteran John Isner thrashing Brayden Schnur 6-1, 6-3 after he stepped in at short notice for 14th-ranked Denis Shapovalov, who is still fatigued after testing positive for Covid-19 on his arrival in Sydney.

“I’m disappointed not to be able to play the first match, but I just didn’t feel ready physically yet,” said Shapovalov, who later eased his way back by playing the dead doubles rubber.

American Taylor Fritz earlier upset 11th-ranked Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-7 (6-8), 6-4, 6-4.

Published in Dawn, January 3rd, 2022