World No.11 Lucas Pouille has said that he will not play in future Davis Cup ties if proposed changes to the tournament goes ahead.
Pouille, who was a member of the French team that won the Davis Cup last year, has criticised a new plan to revamp the tournament. Earlier this year the ITF put forward a motion to turn the event into a week-long competition held in one city. Removing home and away ties for the first time in its history and reducing matches to best-of-three sets. The plan has been backed by Investment firm Kosmos, who has agreed to invest $3 billion over 25 years if it goes ahead. Kosmos is owned by Barcelona F.C. footballer Gerard Pique.
“If the reform goes through, yes, because it would just be an exhibition. And I don’t represent France to play an exhibition.” Pouille responded when asked if he would boycott the new-look event.
It is not the first time the 24-year-old has spoken out against the proposal. During the Dubai Tennis Championships in February, Pouille claimed that the majority of his team mates also shared the same view as him concerning the potential changes. France has won the Davis Cup title ten times. The joint-third highest in history with Great Britain after Australia (28) and America (32).
“I think they think the same as me, like I think a lot of players. I did not say it was not good for tennis, I just say it’s not good for Davis Cup. It’s a particular competition. I think we just need to find another way to make it better.” He said.
“I know it’s not the perfect way right now, but I definitely don’t think it’s going to be good with what they propose.”
Pouille’s team captain, Yannick Noah, is another vocal opponent. Last week he told reporters that the potential change would ‘kill the soul and essence of the Davis Cup.’ Later adding that the team event would be turned in ‘a circus.’
In contrast, other players have been more open to the ITF and their approach. Former US Open champion Marin Cilic said that he believes ‘99.9% of players’ would support it. Arguing that a seven-day event would involve a wider group of players. 12-time grand slam champion Novak Djokovic has also welcomed the move after saying the current format doesn’t work. In the past, some players have said they struggle to commit to the Davis Cup throughout the year due to their scheduling commitments.
A vote will take place in August concerning the plan. It is required two thirds backing at the ITF AGM meeting for it to go ahead. If approved, the first competition could potentially occur in November 2019.
