Sad stuff for the tennis world as the David Cup is officially … dead!
What happened?
The ITF has finally voted the complete reform of the Davis Cup format ending de facto a glorious run that was lasted more than a century (118 years).
The new format will be a “fast” season-ending event that will feature 18 teams compete for the trophy in just 1 week. The first edition will be held will be held in Madrid or Lille from November 18-24, 2019.
Of course, the format is completely different than the one that is currently playing throughout the year and was considered by many top players as too demanding.
Why the change
The event will be managed by an investment group Kosmos led by Spanish international footballer Gerard Pique. Apparently, the ITF will get $US3 billion by the Kosmos Group to have the rights to manage the event for 25 years and they think that this injection of money will be extremely important to develop the sport at a global level.
The reactions
Not many people were happy about the changes with 3 Tennis Federer being extremely vocal against the reforms (Australia, Germany, and England) and many active players and former top players have expressed their disappointment.
Second terrible decision made by ITF in one year…Have a feeling the third one is just around the corner 🙌🏻 #FedCup , Shortening all matches with a few adjustments in the rules or other bright ideas… #daviscup pic.twitter.com/APNMnFNKWu
— Anastasia Pivovarova (@A_Pivovarova) August 17, 2018
Loss of words about the decision today….#DavisCup
— Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) August 16, 2018
What s sad news… Traditions are dying! RIP Davis Cup ☹️
— Anastasia Pivovarova (@A_Pivovarova) August 16, 2018
Sad day for men’s tennis #ITF have voted for new format of #DavisCup (its no longer Davis Cup) Fooling themselves if they think top players will play a 18 team comp over 1 week at the end of the year???? 🤪
— Pat Cash (@TheRealPatCash) August 16, 2018
No words to describe how sad I am. This is the end of an institution that has driven so much emotions to tennis players and tennis fans around the world. Business once again takes over the history and the values of sport. Thank you @daviscup for all what you gave me! #tennis 😓
— Fabrice Santoro (@fabsantoro72) August 16, 2018
A footballer gets the stage at @ITF_Tennis AGM to tell us why @DavisCup needs to change but legends of the game of which there are many who disagree do not.
— Todd Woodbridge (@toddwoodbridge) August 16, 2018
One of my biggest dream as a kid was to one day play a Davis Cup final in front of my home crowd. Sadly I’ll never have the chance to experience Davis cup like I grew up watching it😢 I still hoped tradition and history would win over money, but I guess that’s where we are now..
— Félix AugerAliassime (@felixtennis) August 16, 2018
Very disappointing to hear that the new Davis Cup proposal was passed today. Yes the Davis Cup needed some changes but this I don’t believe is the right formula. I will miss Home and Away ties and many more aspects of the Davis Cup.
— Greg Rusedski (@GregRusedski1) August 16, 2018
Sad news and a disappointing out come for the Davis Cup and im assuming Fed Cup soon after. Home and away ties, representing your country in both areas, and playing for your teammates is what it’s all about. ITF is severely missing the point here.
— CoCo Vandeweghe (@CoCoVandey) August 16, 2018
Interesting to note the strong player reaction and emotion on the ITF decision re Davis Cup ❌ #DavisCup
— Craig Tiley (@CraigTiley) August 17, 2018
The Davis Cup changes seem interesting, but it would’ve been cool if the players had some sort of say. The lack of voice afforded to players is pretty ridiculous.
— Tennys Sandgren (@TennysSandgren) August 16, 2018
Hey @daviscup
Quick question. Was wondering when the players vote is for the Davis Cup changed format is.
Haven’t received the memo yet.
Cheers 👋 #daviscup #daviscupvote #dc
— John Millman (@johnhmillman) August 16, 2018
Crying over two tragic deaths today. Aretha Franklin and @DavisCup …. RIP 🙏
— Alize Cornet (@alizecornet) August 16, 2018
Salted caramel profiteroles with clotted cream. Perfect antidote to the Davis Cup decision. pic.twitter.com/0ex8bsS1hK
— judy murray (@JudyMurray) August 16, 2018
So: the 2018 Playoff will still happen and the the other 12 nations eligible for 2019 qualifying will came from the Davis Cup Ranking? Lol this is a total mess. pic.twitter.com/EH2QkDQDkX
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) August 16, 2018
@ITF_Tennis You guys are a shame for tennis …😶 Let’s enjoy our last davis cup year and lets try to keep it home.. 🇫🇷🇫🇷🇫🇷
— Lucas Pouille (@la_pouille) August 16, 2018
João Sousa. “Davis Cup will lose it’s essence. New format will make the things a little bit easier for the players, but the competiton will lose his special environment.”
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) August 16, 2018
Haven’t met one person who was for the @DavisCup changes. A bit like brexit. #moneymoneymoney
— Marcus Willis (@Willbomb90) August 16, 2018
Saddened 2 hear about drastic Davis Cup changes. My most exciting matches were fought in the crucible of this amazing competition. Whether facing the Mexicans on a court laid in bull ring, or playing in the embrace of a home crowd, the feelings remain visceral. So long friend
— Tim Mayotte (@TimMayotte) August 16, 2018
“The LTA will regrettably be unable to support the proposed Davis Cup reforms but remains supportive of the ITF and we will work together on the future of Davis Cup regardless of the outcome of the vote.”
Official statement on Davis Cup reform proposal https://t.co/h4qQ914mEi pic.twitter.com/c8rKqK9FUE
— British Tennis (@BritishTennis) August 16, 2018
