Comment: Does this Davis Cup format make sense? Djokovic’s criticism is justified

For several years now, the most famous team competition in tennis has been played in a new way. But it has its shortcomings. What is currently missing from Davis Cup matches?

Obvious flaws

Tennis events are not easy to follow, tournament after tournament and few events concentrate enough interest among sports fans. For many years, the Davis Cup was an exception. However, it cannot be said that this is the case today.

Indeed, the former traditional event, where two tennis teams competed on the soil of one of them, has been replaced by a new format. Matches in the style of the World Championships in hockey or football have been added. And in these clashes, most teams play outdoors.

Yes, the best tennis teams in the world are meeting in one place, but the most important thing is missing. A home crowd and a weekend-long feast of white sport.

With the best of wills, three weekday afternoon matches cannot replace the clashes held Friday through Sunday. The cheers of the home fans are no substitute for a neutral crowd supplemented by a few loyal away supporters.

Atmosphere is vital to the sport. And tennis is certainly no exception. Consider this year’s Tournament of Champions. Although this event is not a team event, this year’s prestigious tournament was definitely elevated a level by the participation of local Jannik Sinner.

Djokovic’s criticism of Davis Cup system

The hegemon (not only) of contemporary tennis Novak Djokovic also sees the shortcomings of the current Davis Cup system. Meanwhile, his team got past the British at the current event and is looking forward to the semi-final against the Italians.

“The fact that we, as a team, haven’t played in front of our home fans for years is not good because it doesn’t give the people in Serbia the opportunity to watch our national team in action,” he describes the reasons for his dissatisfaction according to Tennis Majors.

Djokovic would like it if the players themselves could participate in the Davis Cup format. After all, who else should have a major say in the matter?

Source: Tennis Majors