Melbourne VIC, Australia, 19 January 2014 | Tennis Australia

Melbourne Park come Monday for the commencement of the Asia Pacific Tennis League Finals.
Now in the competitions second year, the ATL is only going from strength to strength and not just in Australia. Last year being the first year of competition, we had strong representation from Pacific Oceania as well New Zealand who finished 4th and 3rd place in the Men and Women conferences.
This year the mens state conference winners will be joined by the likes of Pacific Oceania, New Zealand and a star studded Japanese Men’s team.

Japan Life NP Phoenix team is headlined by the likes of Bobby Reynolds, who is currently ranked 178, but has been as high as 46 in 2009, as well as, Danai Udomchoke who has been ranked as high as 77 in the world. The depth in this team is one to be commended and will definitely be a team to watch.
Another team to keep an eye on this week are the New Zealand Kauris. Both Venus and Sitak are ranked inside the worlds 200 in doubles, as well as Daniell being as high as 185 in doubles in 2010. If it comes down to the wire the NZ will be tough team to beat.
For a second year in a row The Pacific Oceania Dolphins have accepted a position in the Asia Pacific Tennis League Finals.

The women’s field is also looking highly competitive, and no doubt top quality tennis will be on display at Melbourne Park over the next few days.

Korea will be a team to watch closely, and could potentially be the dark horses of the competition. There is not a lot separating the Korean number one player to their number four, the depth in the team is one to take note of.

The New Zealand Tuis, have also joined the competition for a second year, and will be looking to draw upon the experience of their top ranked player Dianne Hollands.
The 2014 ATL Playoffs is shaping up to be an action packed couple of days of tennis.