In the midst of the ongoing argument surrounding the proposed changes to the Davis Cup, the governing body of men’s tennis is quietly making strides with their own alternative.
The ATP is plotting to introduce a team tournament from 2020. It is understood that discussions with Tennis Australia has been conducted in recent months with the goal of the event being played during the first week of the year. Ranking points and prize money are also rumoured to be up for grabs, but this is yet to be officially confirmed.
“Our focus remains on bringing the ATP World Team Cup back into the calendar, an exciting project which we’ve been working on for over 18 months now, with the last few details still to be finalised,” ATP CEO Chris Kermode told BBC Sport.
“We believe we have a strong option in partnership with Tennis Australia in week one of the calendar, utilising locations which are known to showcase the sport in a very positive way.
“It’s an option that would cause minimal disruption to existing player scheduling given that the vast majority of players are playing that week already in the southern hemisphere, and we continue to work towards bringing the event to fruition.”
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) is also hoping to host a similar tournament. In a proposal set out in February, they want to turn the Davis Cup into a one-week team tournament taking place at the end of the year. The plan has angered traditionalists. Some have expressed frustration over the motion to remove home and away ties, which has been a significant feature in the 118-year history of the Davis Cup. On the other hand, players such as Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic has praised the decision to try to modernise the event to accommodate players scheduling commitments.
Raonic, Murray have doubts
The prospect of having two team tournaments a year is one that raises concern. At Indian Wells Milos Raonic was one of the first players to cast doubts. For him, it is inevitable that one will take over the other. Meaning that the ITF and ATP may face a race against time to get their tournaments in motion.
“I think both will be very exciting. One needs to prove itself. The other one obviously has a historical recognition, and that’s going to have to keep moving along to really stay up there and relevant at the same time. Because it’s been hard over the last years, not just with injuries, but also with travel and everything, getting the players there all the time. He said.
“They will compete, but one’s going to end up swallowing the other eventually. Because I don’t think in any sport two team competitions, other than something as big as soccer, really survive.”
So what could happen? The Davis Cup has the advantage of its illustrious history, but the ATP’s version is both more convenient and at a better time of the year.
“In a way, the World Team Cup could sort of maybe make things a little bit easier as its own thing. Being at the beginning of the year, guys want to get matches, this kind of thing.” Explained Raonic.
Former world No.1 and Davis Cup champion Jamie Murray echoes a similar perspective. Saying that the World Team Cup will appeal to many players.
“It’s in January, so it makes sense for all the players to be playing that tournament in the lead-up to the Australian Open. There will obviously be ATP points available as well, and potentially more money on the table for the players,” he told the BBC.
Laver Cup founder Federer unfazed
It is a common consensus in tennis that the star status of the ‘Big Four’ has a significant impact on the landscape. Even though some debate how much their influence is. Roger Federer is the first of the group to speak about the two proposed events. He is one of the masterminds behind the Laver Cup, which began in 2017. A three-day event that sees team Europe take on team USA.
“We take three days out of the year, so don’t worry about us, you know.” Federer said about the threat posed to the Laver Cup.
“I think it’s a great event. I think the players really enjoyed themselves. I hope it’s going to be forever successful. We have no guarantee, like, no tournament really has except maybe Wimbledon, to be honest.”
The diplomatic speaking world No.1 did not express concern over the future of team tennis, unlike some of his rivals. As long as the players are happy, so is Federer.
“If the ATP and the ITF decide to change their formats and the players enjoy that, that’s great.” He concluded. “I just think it’s important that we have a good tour, good schedule, happy players, happy tournament organizers.”
What happens next?
In reality, both of the purposed team events have not been given the official go ahead yet. For the Davis Cup, they required support from two thirds of attendees at the upcoming ITF AGM meeting in August. Should it get approved, it could start in 2019. Barcelona footballer Gerard Pique has already said his company Kosmos will invest $3 billion over 25 years.
As for the ATP, there is more secrecy surrounding their intentions. Although, some sources are saying that an announcement could be made ‘very soon.’
