Alexander Zverev and Roger Federer‘s decisions to withdraw from the upcoming Davis Cup Finals in Madrid has stirred a conversation among a section of tennis enthusiasts. The two players opted to take part in a series of exhibition matches in South America instead.
Roger Federer withdrew, claiming that he did not want to be part of the tournament. His decision to withdraw from the competition earned him severe criticism from Gerard Pique, leading to a war of words between the two.
“I think Federer sees the Davis Cup as a tournament that competes with his competition, the Laver Cup,” the Barcelona defender told El Larguero, a Spanish radio programme.
The new format does not appeal to Zverev
On his part, Zverev does not fancy the newly revamped Davis Cup. Initially, Davis Cup used to take place in different parts of the world and involved a series of rounds played in three days. With the new format, the tournament will only last one week and takes place in Madrid, Spain. The competition now consists of one doubles and two singles matches in a best of three format.
The German believes these new changes have made the tournament to lose its meaning. Speaking in London after beating Daniil Medvedev, he said, “I don’t think the format is Davis Cup anymore. I think the Davis Cup is the most historic event that we have in tennis, which is over 100 years old, and the Davis Cup is the home and away ties. Davis Cup is the whole atmosphere, the play over three days to play five sets and play those tough matches.
That’s Davis Cup for me, and not playing it at one venue for one week and deciding it all. That’s not Davis Cup. Davis Cup is going to South America, Davis Cup is going to Australia like I did when it was the Davis Cup.”
Hopeful Zverev
Zverev remains hopeful that the organizers and other stakeholders involved with the Davis Cup will soon realize and appreciate its history and cherish what it holds.
“Yeah, I hope people realize that Davis Cup is more than just money and all that like they are offering us now. It’s history, and it’s more than just what’s on the table for the players now,” he added.
The tournament, which begins on 18th November and runs to 24th November will see 18 teams battle it out for the title. Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are among the high profiled tennis players set to represent their countries in this event.
Alexander Zverev’s ranking and performance in 2019
Ranked no.7, Zverev played his last match on the 16th of November when he had to surrender to Dominic Thiem 7-5 6-3 in the semifinal in London.
This year Alexander has a 41-24 win-loss record. Alexander conquered 1 title in Geneva. The German was the finalist in Acapulco and in Shanghai.
Roger Federer’s ranking and performance in 2019
Ranked no.3, the Swiss played his last match on the 16th of November when he had to surrender to Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3 6-4 in the semifinal in London.
This year the Swiss has a 51-10 win-loss record. The Swiss clinched 4 titles in 2019 in Dubai, in Miami, in Halle and in Basel. The Swiss was the finalist in Indian Wells and in Wimbledon.
Alexander Zverev and Roger Federer played each other 10 times. The head to head is 5-5.
The last time that they competed against each other, Alexander Zverev won 6-3 6-77 6-3 in the quarter in Shanghai on the 11th October 2019.
Here the highlights.
Alexander Zverev and Roger Federer |
| Embed from Getty Images |
