Britain set to take part in ATP Cup after Andy Murray gave the go-ahead

Great Britain are to participate in the new £12.4 million ATP Cup team competition in January after Andy Murray decided that he wants to play.

Despite being sceptical about the January date, Murray on Friday exercised his right to enter the GB team under his protected ranking of number three, which guarantees qualification.

So Britain will now join 23 other nations in the men-only team event leading into the Australian Open, which has controversially spelt the end of the mixed Hopman Cup.

The tournament will start on January 3, played in different cities around Australia with the final taking place in Sydney on January 12.

Great Britain are expected to play their group section against three other teams in Perth, where there is a large ex-pat population.

The format involves each tie featuring two singles and one doubles match, and will come only six weeks after the year-ending new Davis Cup finals week in Madrid, which Murray is not alone in believing to be highly unsatisfactory.

Murray will take part in the tournament, which will be held in different cities around Australia

As the highest ranked player under his injury-protected listing it should assure him of a minimal three singles matches, fitness permitting, in the build-up to Melbourne.

The ATP Cup will offer ranking points and prize money for each individual match with a sliding appearance fee for players. 

As Murray is considered world number three for entry purposes he will make a minimum £208,000 for his participation, which has also permitted the rest of the five-man squad – expected to include his brother Jamie – with a significant earning opportunity.