OPINION: Ever since the news of a multi-billion dollar deal to revamp the Davis Cup broke, I felt that it was only a matter of time before it happened.
On Thursday, the International Tennis Federation won their battle to revamp the men’s team tournament after winning 71.43% of support. From 2019, the event will be turned into a 18-team tournament taking place in one location at the end of the year. Either in Lille, France or Madrid, Spain for the first two years. It will be funded by two key stakeholders. Gerard Pique’s Kosmos investment business, who has vowed to invest $3 billion over 25 years, and American billionaire Larry Ellison. 74-year-old Ellison is coincidentally the owner of Indian Wells, where the tournament is likely to be hosted in the future.
“In addition, the new revenues for nations that the event will generate will have a transformative effect on the development of tennis in all nations. Our mission is to ensure that this historic decision will benefit the next generation of players for decades to come.” ITF president Davis Haggerty said in a statement.
In the immediate aftermath of the vote, there were scenes of jubilation at the AGM meeting in Orlando with Pique’s camp celebrating their milestone. Creating an atmosphere that the revamp promises to revolutionise tennis. The only thing is that this is far from the case.
One of the biggest arguments for the new format has been to meet the needs of players scheduling commitments. The packed ATP World Tour calendar has made it hard for some high-profile players to play in the team tournament in recent years. From this view, it appeared that the concerns of players have finally been addressed. That was until Haggerty spoke about his future plans.
“A significant proportion of Kosmos’ funding is to be invested into the transformation of the Davis Cup. There is a substantial investment into the development of national associations and wheelchair tennis.” He told The New York Times.
“The remainder will be invested into two brand new properties: a mixed team event in April and a winner-takes-all event in September. The precise details of these events will be released in due course.”
Few details about these events are available, but it is clear that trying to reduce the scheduling demands placed upon players are not one of the ITF’s priorities. As to when these events will take place? One presumes that it would occur during the same weeks as the current Davis Cup takes place. Leaving players no better off with their scheduling.
Money makes the world go round
It is clear that money is the main driving factor. An unsurprising revelation as organisations needs money to survive. The only problem appears is that this is the sole focus of the ITF. Even though it is not publicly known how Kosmos can guarantee $3 billion over 25 years.
Shortly after the vote, it was announced that the ITF has been given power to change the format of the Davis Cup and Fed Cup itself. Meaning that in the future, a change to the women’s equivalent will not require such scrutiny. It amazes me that in a sport that prides itself on equality, nobody has spoken out about this. Why is it acceptable for a year-long debate to take place on reforming the Davis Cup and only a group of board members deciding about the future of the Fed Cup? I suspect the only reason is that the ITF no longer wants to go through the hassle of voting is in case they lose in the future.
The ITF has done many brilliant things for the sport in the past, but their management of the Davis Cup has only created uncertainty. Federations have been promised extra finance, but even that has been disputed by the head of Tennis Europe.
“I cannot see the real benefit for European nations or for tennis in general as a result of the deal in the proposed format. I am particularly concerned that there is hardly any information received from the ITF regarding bank guarantees for the proposed US$ 120M per year which would be the $3 billion deal over 25 years, according to the original proposal.” Vladimir Dmitriev, President of Tennis Europe, wrote in a letter.
Another concern I have is the Olympic eligibility criteria. Players have to play in a set number of ties in order to be available for selection at the multi-sport event. After Thursday’s announcement, Lucas Pouille has said he will no longer play in the tournament. Meaning in the future he may not be eligible to play at the Olympics. I fear that the ITF will tighten this criteria to force players play the Davis Cup. Something I think needs to be urgently addressed by all of the governing bodies and the ATP Players Council.
I do not consider myself a massive traditionalist. I fully appreciate that new things needs to be implemented in tennis in order to attract a new fans and broaden its appeal. Yet at the same time, isolating those traditionalists is bizarre. It is that group who fund the Davis Cup through attendance. The Davis Cup has sold itself on their tradition since its birth in 1900. Having a final in a neutral location only pays off if it is between two prestigious teams. A Davis Cup final between Belgium and Russia in Indian Wells will be a hard seller.
As for Pique, I do partly sympathise for him. He has been blamed for ‘destroying the Davis Cup.’ Something I disagree with. To his credit, he has seen a opportunity and capitalised on it. It is the ITF that should be in the firing line. It is their responsibility to protect the sport and not just cave in when they are offered an injection of money. Something I feel that they have done with little hesitation.
Looking ahead, of course I will watch, report, comment and cheer for the players in the Davis Cup. Although for me August 16th was the birth of a new men’s team tournament and the death of another one.
Only time will tell if the ITF’s gamble has paid off.
