Novak Djokovic believes the possibility of having a female version of the ATP Cup would bring both ‘benefits’ and ‘positives’ to the WTA Tour.
The 16-time grand slam champion has hailed the new team competition after guiding Serbia to the quarter-finals on Wednesday. Djokovic brushed aside Christian Garin 6-3, 6-3, during his country’s 2-1 victory over Chile. Dusan Lajovic got the other win for Serbia after defeating Nicolas Jarry. He is yet to lose a match in the competition after winning three singles matches and one doubles during the group stage.
“I’m enjoying it. I enjoy the fact that we (team Serbia) will actually go to a different city together, travel today, practice there tomorrow, play in a different environment.” Djokovic said during his press conference.
“Having that journey through various places in Australia together feels like a World Cup to us a little bit, which I’ve never felt. The only time when we were playing together as a team was Davis Cup or playing at home or away. So this is like changing location, it’s quite exciting.” He added.
Taking place over three cities, the ATP Cup has got off to a strong start for its first edition. Over the first four days of the competition, tournament director Tom Larner said there was an attendance of 116,412 fans. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, 43,000 fans visited the city. To put that into perspective, the 2019 Sydney International attracted a total attendance of 55,000.
Whilst there remain teething problems for the new event, Djokovic supports the idea of his female counterparts having a similar version. There is currently no plan in motion about such a thing happening. In Brisbane, there have been criticism of the ATP Cup being played on the premier stadium whilst the women’s WTA tournament played their early round matches on the outdoor courts.
“I think this kind of format is something that would, I think, bring benefits as well and kind of positive outcomes for the WTA tour, that’s my opinion.” Said Djokovic.
“Of course, I don’t know what are the numbers and how is that going to affect their schedule. But it would make sense, considering the fact that we have ATP Cup also played in Australia, they’re playing the WTA tour in Brisbane as well, in Auckland, so most of the top players from female side are in Australia already, so I think it would make sense.”
Speaking more specifically about the men’s game, Djokovic has reiterated his view that there needs to be a merger of team events. A view that has also been expressed by players such as Rafael Nadal and Denis Shapovalov. Five weeks separate the Davis Cup finals, which takes place in November, from the start of the ATP Cup.
“Maybe finding a better solution (is) to have one super cup, World Cup competition for us on the men’s side.” Djokovic proposes.
“We are going to have some discussions in the council about it and see what is the feedback from players from the first ATP Cup year.’
“The Davis Cup has generated some good things, but also some negative comments. And one thing that stands out about Davis Cup and about discontent from the players’ side is the fact that you cannot play at home anymore.”
“In my opinion there should be some groupstages like ATP Cup has in several different locations,and then merging in to the final eight, you know, similar to what we have.” He added.
The 32-year-old argues that such a change would provide players with more time for the already limited off-season. At present the tour takes place from the first week of January to the last week of November.
“I saw Nadal actually speaking about it the other day, and he says that he doesn’t actually feel like the last season has ended because he just started right away.” He said.
“We have an 11-month season, it’s fantastic, lots of opportunities, but at the same time I think it can be balanced, should be balanced a little bit better, maybe Slams not being so close or so far from each other.”
At the ATP Cup, Djokovic-lead Serbia will play their quarter-final match on Friday.
