The current format of the Davis Cup has been causing chaos and controversy since it was introduced. The elimination of the traditional 'formula' between home and guests has broken that atmosphere which had made the competition so prestigious teams symbol of the world of tennis.
ADVERTISEMENT
The goal of this revolution should have been to make less effort for players involved in the Davis Cup, reduce travel and allow top players to play the event more often than before. Some years after the introduction of the current format, it can be said that these objectives have not been fully achieved. The economic difficulties in organizing groups and Finals have benefited some nations, which have the advantage of being able to play at home (like Italy and Spain).
The crowd setting has not always been ideal in these years, especially when the local team is not playing and top players have missed the event on several occasions. The 2024 edition of the Davis Cup Finals, scheduled in Malaga in November, could give fans a show and emotions.
There will be Italy with World No.1 Jannik Sinner and Spain of his great rival Carlos Alcaraz, while it is not to be excluded the presence of 22-timeGrand Slam champion Rafael Nadal. According to the statement made by David Ferrer in recent days, the former world number 1 could help Spain in Malaga.
ADVERTISEMENT
Davis Cup may change again
These years have definitely highlighted some flaws in the new format of the Davis Cup and fans have called for new solutions. The Davis Cup may change again. This is what emerges at the end of the qualifying rounds, which allowed 8 teams to win their way to the Finals in Malaga: the latest rumors have suggested that the organizers are actually thinking about small but important changes to the current format of the competition.
The second stage, with the division of the 16 teams into four groups, is not convincing. Last year, several players complained about the lack of attendance on the stands, especially in days when the team that hosts the group is not the protagonist and is therefore the host. It was the Kosmos group that reformed the whole event, but the variations do not seem to please even the ITFs top.
ADVERTISEMENT
The decision-making bodies would be looking at a new round of 16 format, with the 'old' home-away model. It is in fact considering to pair the 16 teams in a single elimination match: among the positive notes of the decision, certainly a crowded arena and the possibility of playing only on weekends to give some' breathing space even to the same tennis players. Just think, for example, that this year the Davis Cup group stage began just two days after the US Open final.
The format for this type of crosses would be best of five games: 4 singles and double as the last decisive match if you should arrive in a situation of 2-2. Each match would be - according to the latest rumours - at the best of three sets and everything would be played in just two days. The idea could take on even greater momentum in the coming weeks, with the Spain finals teams awaiting the official quarter-final draw.
Hewitt was furious
Recently, former Australian champion Lleyton Hewitt slams the current Davis Cups format: Weve had a few guys this week pretty banged up and its only really our locker room knows that. It would have been very easy for a few of my boys to not turn up this week, but theyve come and they put on the green and gold, and done absolutely everything Ive asked of them. Im super proud.
ADVERTISEMENT
To try and ask players to play the second day after a Grand Slam finishes, its not easy. In the old format, I used to have to do it, but youd at least have until the Friday before you had to play. Now to play on Tuesday, its ridiculous. He continued: Thats the stupid part of this format, isnt it? You know, I can keep saying it, continued Hewitt. But the format is what it is, and well do what we need to do to get through and give ourselves a chance of hopefully holding up the trophy.
Last year the trophy was raised by Italy, who performed a real miracle against Serbia in the semi-finals. After Miomir Kecmanovic defeated Lorenzo Musetti in the first singles, Sinner cancelled three consecutive match points to 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic leading Italy to a sensational comeback. Italy defeated Australia in the final.
