The driving force behind a motion to change the format of the Davis Cup, Gerard Pique, has reportedly already held talks about the possibility of staging the new event in Western Europe.
Earlier this year the ITF announced plans to change the team competition to a weeklong event played in one location. The plans have been supported by Pique’s investment company Kosmos. Who have pledged to inject $3bn into the event over a 25-year period if it is given the green light.
The plans have divided the tennis community with some criticising the event. France’s Lucas Pouille has hinted that he is willing to boycott any new-look Davis Cup event. His team captain, Yannick Noah, has claimed that the Davis Cup risks being ‘turned into a circus.’ Meanwhile, Lleyton Hewitt has accused the ITF of having their ‘head in the sand.’
Despite the criticism, Pique is pressing ahead with the fine details concerning his ambitious plans. According to Spanish newspaper Marca, he has held talks with the Spanish Tennis Association (RFET) regarding the possible venue of the event. The Caja Magica in Madrid would be one of the most suitable venues due to that fact it has retractable roofs. A key factor if the event was to be played in November.
Pique was also present during last week’s Barcelona Open. Whilst there, it is claimed that he has spoken with some players and held a conference on the Friday. Although it is unclear as to who was present and what was said.
Pique’s hope to stage a potential event in his home country is being done to maximise the appeal to the best players in the world. If it goes ahead, the event will take place after the ATP World Tour Finals, which takes place in London. Therefore a location such as Spain would make it easier for players to travel to. Paris is also another potential city that could stage the event.
A vote will take place in August concerning the proposed Davis Cup revamp. It requires at least two thirds backing in order for it to go head. If it is supported, the first event could take place in 2019.
There has been no official word for Pique or the RFET concerning their recent meetings.
What does the world of tennis think about the plans?
Lleyton Hewitt (via The Australian newspaper)
“The (proposed) competition is not the Davis Cup. You can’t call this the Davis Cup. You can ask anyone for the past 50 years who has played the Davis Cup and (this proposal) is not what it is about, nor what it should be about.”
Marin Cilic (via The Tennis Podcast)
“I think it will bring more attention to Davis Cup, everyone will be much more involved rather than just two teams and it will create a nice vibe.”
Jan Kodes (statement sent to Ubitennis)
“If the new Davis Cup format will be confirmed at the ITF general meeting this year, that could be the most stupid decision in sporting history.”
Alex de Minaur
“I’m completely against it. I think it’s a way to ruin a competition with an amazing amount of history. I’m not for it.”
Novak Djokovic (via Le Parisen)
“This is fantastic news! We all want to play for our country, but I have been saying for years that the current format does not work. The proof, the best players are increasingly rare to participate regularly. I did it for years, I went after reaching the final rounds in Grand Slams. Each time you tell yourself that it is not reasonable. Changing the format of the Davis Cup is a decision that many have been waiting for.”
André Stein, president of Belgian tennis
“We are absolutely against and will vote against.This formula is precisely what we do not want, because Belgium will never have the means to organize such a competition, so our public and our partners would see the already rare opportunities to see the best Belgian players in action fall away.”
