Former world no. 1 backs Hopman Cup to continue staying in Perth

The former world No. 1 backed Hopman Cup to continue in Perth in 2020. The Australian event may be replaced by the ATP Cup that will take place across Sydney, Brisbane and one other city that is yet to be named.

The 20-time Grand Slam winner always played in the last three years winning the title twice. In an interview, McNamee, a former Tournament Director of the Sofia Open, said: If ever there was a case for the Hopman Cup continuing, whatever that means, we saw it the other night.

Charlie Fancutt and I and Pat Cash, when we started it, we believed Perth was the right place and we have received enormous support there. Of course Id like to see it stay in Perth, but I would like to see it stay as a tournament.

If Perth has the ATP Cup, its going to have great tennis. If the Hopman Cup is played in another city and that city warms to it as much as Perth did, thats terrific. Its very difficult, by the way, because what we had in Perth is so special in the world.

Hopman Cup has done some things that no other event in the sport can do. Perth is a bona fide tennis destination. Angelique Kerber was one of the 16 players competing in the eight-team competition at the Hopman Cup.

The German, who lost the final (along with partner Alexander Zverev) to the Swiss team of Roger Federer and Belinda Bencic shared her love for the event. She said, I really love this tournament. You have a really strong field here with really top players and to have a lot of matches before going to Melbourne [Australian Open] and then finding your confidence.

And enjoying Sydney as well a little bit before going then to the busy Melbourne, its always, for me, a good start of the year. ALSO READ: Rafael Nadal: Worse players than David Ferrer won a Grand Slam title