Murray to face Federer for first time in more than FOUR years in inaugural £12m ATP Cup
ANDY MURRAY will face Roger Federer for the first time in more than four years in an explosive opening clash of the new ATP Cup.
The former world No1 performed a U-turn last week and used his protected ranking to enter the inaugural £12m 24-nation event between January 3-12.
Great Britain have been drawn to play Switzerland, Belgium and an unknown qualifier in Group C at the Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney.
Murray, 32, has yet to play one of the top tennis stars since returning this summer from career-saving hip surgery.
Federer holds a 14-11 winning head-to-head record against Muzza and has won their previous five meetings, last tasting defeat against the British star at the 2013 Australian Open.
Astonishingly, the last time the pair took to the court together was in August 2015 at the Cincinnati Open.
Federer came out on top that time, winning their semi-final clash 6-4 7-6 before the Swiss great beat Novak Djokovic in the Masters 1000 final.
The Scot has scheduled a series of tournaments this autumn so he can return to full fitness in the New Year.
In Brisbane, world No1 Djokovic's Serbia will face France and South Africa.
Meanwhile in Perth, US Open champion Rafael Nadal will lead Spain against Japan and Georgia in Group B.
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Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley said: “In all of the conversations we’ve had with the players, right from the beginning, they have said this is their event.
“They want to play it. They want to make it work,
“They’re playing for their country and with their mates. That’s what’s going to be such a special experience for the players and the fans.”
