Defending champions Brazil, who are hosting the ITF Beach Tennis World Cup for the first time, were given the ‘group of death’ after the draw was made on Monday in Copacabana. 

The team, that won this competition in 2013, 2018 and 2019, compete in Group B alongside Germany, Mexico and Venezuela. Italy, the four-time champions, start their campaign alongside Japan, France and Ecuador in Group A. Leading Group C, Spain will have to contend with Chile, Curacao and Portugal, while Russian Tennis Federation have been drawn against Aruba, Puerto Rico and Bulgaria in Group D.

The top two nations in each group will advance to the quarter-finals. The final is scheduled for Sunday at 7pm Brazilian time.

"This is the most complicated group," said Alex Mingozzi, Brazilian captain. "Mexico is the younger team, and then we have the two stronger teams. We almost lost to Germany in 2018, they have Maraike Biglmaier, one of the best female players, and also a good men’s doubles, and then Venezuela with Patty Diaz and Ramon Nacho Guedez, who lives in Brazil and knows every Brazilian player. It will be a challenge for us, but we will do everything to go further and we’re going to do our best."

Biglmaier agreed that Group B is the most difficult. "We had some tough battles against Brazil in the past. We expect an amazing atmosphere here in Copacabana and we will try to upset them, they are the favourite, but we have a good team. This is a strong team, we’d prefer to be in Groups C or D, but it is what we have. Probably we’re going to have one tie that will decide everything."

Andre Baran, world No. 6 and Brazilian No. 1 added: "We’re going to have be connected from the first match, as if every match were the final. We are united, we can’t give our rivals any little opportunity." 

Stanislav Zaychenco, Russian Tennis Federation captain, said: "It was a good draw for us. Puerto Rico and Aruba are the stronger teams, but it was good for us, we have good chances. Nikita Burmakin is in good shape, but every player is really prepared."

Group A 

Italy, Japan, France and Ecuador

Group B 

Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela and Germany

Group C

Spain, Chile, Curacao, Portugal

Group D

Russian Tennis Federation, Aruba, Puerto Rico, Bulgaria