Djokovic and Murray in settlement as Davis Cup organisers slammed for ‘catastrophe’

Tennis stars Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray each agree modifications should be made to the Davis Cup. Both gamers are representing their respective nations on the newest stage of the distinguished workforce occasion.

But one of many largest speaking factors concerning the match has been the dearth of ticket gross sales. The present format sees one host nation and three different groups play on international soil and has led to plenty of matches being performed in entrance of smaller crowds.

Therefore, it has been tougher to promote tickets for ties that don’t function the house aspect. Both gamers agreed with tennis legend and Australia’s Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt, who branded the brand new format a “four-year disaster” and known as for the higher-ups to be dismissed.

The Davis Cup used to function dwelling and away matchups, however following the International Tennis Federation’s (ITF) $3 billion, 25-year partnership with the Kosmos group, the format modified. In 2019, high groups now play group matches at totally different cities with the Finals staged at one venue.

Djokovic, who helped Serbia defeat Spain 3-0 earlier than they had been overwhelmed by the Czech workforce this previous weekend, stated the format wants an overhaul. “The format needs an overhaul, of course, but not being in the ITF I can’t tell you what’s going on,” the 24-time Grand Slam champion defined.

“I hope they consult the players for the change because they never consult us. I think players should participate much more in these types of changes, we all have to sit down together and talk about the future.

“If the ITF doesn’t do things right, I honestly don’t know what will happen to this tournament. For the sake of tennis and its history, this competition must survive, because it is the longest-running team competition we have. There is nothing more important than representing your country, so we’ll see how they redefine the format.”

Murray alternatively, was a part of a Great Britain workforce that had no downside filling Manchester’s AO area this previous weekend. They reached the ultimate eight in Malaga set to happen in November when Dan Evans and Neal Skupski saved 4 match factors earlier than successful a tense deciding match towards France.

Murray was delighted with the victory however whereas talking to reporters he claimed the present format of the tennis occasion is just not a long-term answer and known as for the earlier format to return. “I was on the ATP player council when the initial discussions were had about this format, not one person on the council supported it,” the previous world No. 1 stated. “We’re fortunate here because we get to play all of the matches in a brilliant atmosphere, great crowd.

“It is a shame when France and Australia, two of the biggest tennis nations, they love their Davis Cup, and they’re playing in front of what feels like an empty stadium. It feels wrong. I think the format will have to change if it’s going to be successful again. All the players loved the home-and-away ties, I think the fans loved the home-and-away ties as well. Hopefully, there’s a way we can get it back to that.”