The inaugural ATP Cup took place in January 2020, with Sydney, Brisbane and Perth welcoming the world's best players. World no. 1 Rafael Nadal was among those high-profiled competitors, seeking another team title for Spain after conquering the Davis Cup Finals at the end of 2019.

Nadal led Spain against Japan, Uruguay and Georgia at RAC Arena in Perth, and he received a massive honor a couple of weeks before the start of the competition. Rafa got his mural in Perth with Kei Nishikori and other stars, with the organizers welcoming a 19-time Major champion.


Spain played well in Perth and secured all three round-robin wins to move to Sydney and remain on the title course. Rafa kicked off the action against Nikoloz Basilashvili and scored a 6-3, 7-5 victory. The Spaniard struggled a bit in the second set but sealed the deal with a late break to avoid a decider.

Nadal raised his level in the second match against Pablo Cuevas.

Rafael Nadal competed in Perth at the start of 2020.

The Spaniard ousted the Uruguayan 6-2, 6-1 in an hour and 13 minutes, dropping nine points behind the initial shot and delivering four breaks to control the scoreboard.

Rafa had to work hard against Yoshihito Nishioka and prevailed 7-6, 6-4 in two hours and eight minutes to push Spain into the last eight. Nadal's first ATP Cup loss came against David Goffin in the quarter-final, with world no.

1 earning a 6-4, 7-6 victory. The Belgian prevailed after two hours and 23 minutes, fending off eight out of ten break chances and stealing Nadal's serve three times to emerge at the top. Despite that, Spain advanced into the semi-final, and Rafa faced Alex de Minaur.


 


The young gun played well in front of the home fans before Nadal prevailed 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 after a massive battle. Nadal set his 55th clash against Novak Djokovic, with Serbia and Spain battling in the final. Rafa suffered a 6-2, 7-6 loss and failed to seal the deal for Spain and bring them the title.

Djokovic fired 12 aces and dropped only 14 points behind the initial shot. He saved five break points and stole Nadal's serve two times in the opener for a strong start. Rafa served better in the second set and followed Novak's pace after erasing two late break chances.

However, he fell in the tie break and suffered another loss to the Serb on hard courts. It was Rafa's only ATP Cup experience, missing the following two editions due to injuries.