The present Davis Cup structure is not popular among tennis players, and Novak Djokovic feels that it should be reviewed. The Davis Cup used to be very well-liked by players and spectators, but its appeal has since waned. The tournament lost its spark, and many faulted the format change, which has some merit.
It’s no secret that the formerly well-known men’s team tournament is gradually fading. In an effort to enhance the spectator experience for the event, ITF and Kosmos already reached a 25-year agreement. However, it didn’t seem to be successful.
The 10,000 for home nation matches and 400 for visiting nations pattern predictably repeats itself on Day 3 of the #DavisCup in Manchester. Is there a solution? Ideas/thoughts below 👇 pic.twitter.com/CdiQJBCPwJ
— Tennis Weekly Podcast (@tennisweeklypod) September 14, 2023
Numerous athletes voiced their opinions on it, including former ATP greats like Lleyton Hewitt who repeatedly criticized the format in public. During the Davis Cup match between Switzerland and France in Manchester, Swiss tennis player Stan Wawrinka expressed his displeasure with the number of vacant seats.
Novak Djokovic also complained about the format, players should be contacted and asked for inputs and opinions he said. “The format needs a review, of course, but since I’m not in the ITF I can’t tell you what’s going on. I hope they consult the players for the change because they never consult us.” Djokovic said.
Novak Djokovic says the Davis Cup must survive:
“The format needs an overhaul, of course, but not being in the ITF I can’t tell you what’s going on. I hope they consult the players for the change bc they never consult us. I think players should participate much more in these… pic.twitter.com/mHUpPftlDG
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 15, 2023
When questioned about it in Valencia, Djokovic said that it would be beneficial to reassess the format. He vividly recalled the mood in Belgrade when Serbia won the competition. And he made it obvious that he would prefer that one to the one he would experience in Valencia.
Novak Djokovic defended Carlos Alcaraz on his decision to pull out of the Davis Cup
Carlos Alcaraz, a two-time Grand Slam champion and one-time world number one, had previously stated that he was not going to be competing in the Davis Cup because he needed to recuperate. After falling to Daniil Medvedev in the US Open semifinals, Alcaraz withdrew from the final group stage. He claimed he was a need of a break after the exhausting season.
Tennis fans were disappointed by Alcaraz’s declaration as they anticipated a historic matchup between the Spaniard and Djokovic in the Davis Cup. Djokovic, who is competing as a member of the Serbian team, will take part in the Davis Cup Finals The Group stage, which features a match against the host nation Spain.
💬Novak Djokovic @DjokerNole, World No. 1:
(On @carlosalcaraz not playing in #DavisCup):“Even though he’s 20 years old, doesn’t mean that he’s a superman. He needs to rest as well. And it takes time. So that’s fine.”@NovakFanClub @NDjokofan pic.twitter.com/RBrQ6mvn5s
— CGTN Sports Scene (@CGTNSportsScene) September 15, 2023
Djokovic reminded fans and the audience how he played for his country, Spain, last year as he defended Alcaraz. “Even though he’s 20 years old, it doesn’t mean he’s a Superman.” He continued in a light-hearted tone as he joked it was better for the Serbian team that Alcaraz was not playing. However, concluded with a heartwarming finish and said he believes Carlos will be back in no time and bring glory to his country, Spain.
Djokovic won at Flushing Meadows and will surely bring that victory into the Davis Cup. Additionally, Alejandro Davidovich will go on Djokovic in the Davis Cup this year because Carlos Alcaraz won’t be there. The 24-time Grand Slam champion spoke about his strong bond with the Spanish player before the match against Davidovich.