The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) has announced that they will not support the proposed reform of the Davis Cup on the eve of the critical vote in what is a blow to the International Tennis Federation.
On Thursday national tennis federations will attend the ITF’s AGM meeting in Orlando to vote on the proposal. The radical plan is for the men’s event to be transformed into 18-team event that will be held at one location at the end of the year over a week. It has received financial backing from Kosmos, who has pledged to invest $3 billion over 25. Kosmos is owned by Barcelona F.C. Footballer Gerard Pique. Indian Wells Owner Larry Ellison has also pledged his support.
Backed by ITF president Davis Haggerty, the plan has drawn criticism and concerns from some federations. The latest of those is the LTA, who is a key voter. Great Britain is one of five countries that has the maximum of 12 votes. Along with the other grand slam host nations and Germany. There is roughly 460 votes up for grabs.
“The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) has today informed the International Tennis Federation (ITF) that, regrettably, it is unable to support their proposed Davis Cup reforms at this time, and will oppose the resolution at the ITF AGM tomorrow.” A statement reads.
Their decision contradicts the stance of the chairman of The All-England Club, venue of the Wimbledon Championships. Philip Brook told Reuters earlier this month that the AELTC supported the move because it is in ‘the best interests of tennis to ensure that the Davis Cup has a strong and successful future.’
The LTA has highlighted three areas of the plan that they are concerned about. These are the impact the new event could have on the tennis calendar, a ‘number of outstanding queries‘ the association has and the division the plan has caused.
“The Davis Cup is loved by so many people in our country. From Roger Taylor to Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski, and more recently Andy and Jamie Murray, the Davis Cup has seen some of the greatest players in the history of British tennis deliver some of the most memorable moments in our sport. The competition plays a vital role in supporting the LTA’s vision to open up tennis in Britain.” Said CEO Scott Lloyd.
“We take our responsibilities with regard to voting on the future of the competition extremely seriously and after consulting widely, regrettably, we do not feel we can support the proposals as they stand. The LTA remains fully supportive of the ITF and its leadership and we will work together on the future of Davis Cup regardless of the outcome of tomorrow’s vote.”
In order for the Kosmos-backed Davis Cup to be given the green light, it needs to be passed by a majority of 66.6% yes votes or more. Ubitennis has published a poll of journalists across Europe, North America and South America about how they think their tennis federations will vote.
The three areas of concern raised by the LTA
- The LTA’s vision is to grow and open up the sport. Concerns remain that the proposed format and its impact on the tennis calendar, extending the season for players, risks player participation and therefore fan appeal;
- Despite some real progress in developing the format, there remain a number of outstanding queries, particularly on the clarity of how the business case will work in practice, which has led the LTA to conclude that it is too early to seek approval;
- The proposal has created division amongst the member nations. The strength of the ITF in governing and developing tennis across the world will be reinforced by bringing tennis together behind a unified proposal and the LTA feels we have not yet reached that point.