Rafael Nadal has urged the tennis community to not turn their back on those willing to invest in the sport amid an ongoing argument about the future of the Davis Cup.
The International Tennis Federation has set out plans to transform the team competition. Turning it into a weeklong event held at one neutral venue. It has already received financial backing of $3 billion from Kosmos over a 25-year period. An investment firm founded by Barcelona F.C. footballer Gerard Pique. The bold plans are not short of controversy with a series of senior figures criticising it. Especially when it comes to the removal of home and away ties. Something that has been used in the Davis Cup since its creation in 1900.
“Nothing is perfect. The format that we are playing is old, so is not perfect. Probably the new format will not be perfect, too, because you miss things.” Nadal said following his second round match at the Monte Carlo Masters. “But at some point the only thing that we can say is thanks to Gerard and all his partners because they want to invest in our sport. When there is people that wants to invest in our sport, we have to welcome them.”
Despite Nadal’s warm welcome, some others have not been so open. Lucas Pouille has previously said that he would contemplate boycotting a new-look Davis Cup. Australian team Captain Lleyton Herwitt has accused the ITF of having their ‘head in the sand.’ Meanwhile, French Captain Yannick Noah believes that the possible changes would turn the proceedings into a ‘circus.’
Encourage by the potential investment, the Spaniard is under no illusion of the pitfalls. It is unclear as to where the new event could be held, but most likely in Asia. Furthermore, it could take place at the very end of the ATP season after the ATP Finals. Potentially reducing players holiday and off-season training. A scenario that Nadal has pledged to support if it occurs.
“I understand and I will support 100%, even if the calendar is longer, because our sport is different if there is more and more people making a living from our sport.” He said.
“We have more events, there is more than 150 or 200 players living from tennis, and that makes our sport bigger. Not only makes our sport bigger if the players, top players, make a lot of money, but if there are more players living from our sport.”
A decision on the Kosmos-backed plan will be made in August. At the annual ITF AGM meeting a vote will take place. It will get the go ahead if it is backed by two thirds of voters. Even if the plans fail, the ITF has the support of the world No.1.
“I am happy that the new staff of the ITF are trying to do different things. I don’t know if they are going the right way or the wrong way, but they are doing things. That’s what this competition probably needs.” Nadal concluded.
Nadal will take on Russia’s Karen Khachanov in the third round of the Monte Carlo Masters on Thursday.
