Novak Djokovic Leading Calls To Change Olympic Eligibility Criteria In New Blow To ITF - UBITENNIS

Novak Djokovic Leading Calls To Change Olympic Eligibility Criteria In New Blow To ITF

By Adam Addicott
4 Min Read

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) is facing another nightmare after it has emerged that Novak Djokovic is talking with players behind the scenes about changing the rules regarding the Olympic Qualification.

The world No.1 is reportedly among a group of players unhappy about the current criteria that players have to go through in order to play at the sporting extravaganza, which will next take place in 2020. At present, players are only eligible if they are part of a nominated Davis Cup team and are present at the tie on three occasions, with one of those occurring in 2019 or 2020. If a player has featured in at least 20 ties during their career, the requirement is reduced to two. The same rule applies to the women’s tour.

It has been reported that Djokovic is working to adjust those rules prior to the 2020 summer games, which will be held in Tokyo. In a recent interview with The Source Podcast, the coach of Kyle Edmund has said that the world No.1 has sent the British player a letter calling for a change.

“Kyle received an email, and maybe it has nothing to do with the Davis Cup, but Kyle received an email from Djokovic last week.” Said Edmund’s coach Fredrik Rosengren.
“He (Djokovic) wants to boycott that particular rule. That shows he doesn’t want to play the Davis Cup in order to represent his country at the Olympic Games.”

https://twitter.com/tennisguru100/status/1066110847724990464

The timing of the calls come as the Davis Cup enters into a new format from next year. In November the final of the competition will be transformed into a week-long event. Held in Madrid, a total of 18 teams will take part. A move that has caused anger among some, including the French Davis Cup team.

Any move to completely remove the Olympic eligibility criteria from the Davis Cup will be likely opposed by the ITF. Who relies on that rule in order to attract the big names. Something they will rely upon more in the future, given the fallout caused by the revamp of the competition.

Djokovic has not publicly spoken about the alleged letter that he has sent to his fellow players. During the ATP Finals, he was present at a special ceremony to mark the launch of The World Team Cup. Another team competition that will take place at the start of the year from 2020 onwards. During the tournament, Djokovic said he believes that one day both the Davis Cup and Team Cup could merge into one. Echoing similar comments recently made by ITF president David Haggerty.

“I think in the next two years we’ll have both events happening in a very similar format if not the same, six weeks apart. Whether I think that’s good for our sport, I honestly don’t think it’s good for the sport.” said Djokovic.
“More job opportunities for players, yes. But I think it’s not sustainable. It will happen that we will have two average events. So I think creating one event is an ideal scenario and I think the outcome for everyone.
“From what I’ve heard from conversations with people from all of the sides, different sides in this sport, they all want to have one event because it’s over-saturated with different cups, different events.”

The ITF has made no comment about Djokovic’s letter.

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