Top 5 photos: Rafa & Novak set as Davis Cup Finals begins

With a new look and revamped format, the Davis Cup Finals officially kicked off Monday in Madrid. Each team got in one final practice session before the competition began with the first slate of round-robin group ties.

Here are the Top 5 photos from the day.

1

World No. 1 Rafael Nadal smiles during his training session. Nadal, who won two majors in 2019 to increase his tally to 19, has previously helped his country win four crowns, most recently in 2011 over Argentina.

2

The competing squads surround the court as part of the festivities. This week, 18 countries will square off in six round-robin groups. The winners, along with two second-placed teams holding the best records based on sets and games won, will reach the knockout stage.

3

Nick Kyrgios plays a backhand, as Tony Roche, captain Lleyton Hewitt and Jaymon Crabb look on. Australia opens its campaign Tuesday against Colombia in Group D.

4

Andrey Rublev was one of the day's earliest winners, securing the first point for Russia with a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Croatia's Borna Gojo—a replacement for the injured Marin Cilic. Rublev finished his ATP season with a 34-19 record, triumphing on home soil in Moscow for his second title.

5

Novak Djokovic leaves the practice court at La Caja Magica. The 16-time major champion is suiting up for his 26th tie with Serbia, having gone 31-7 in singles when the event was held under the traditional format.