This Thursday, the world decides to Federation ITF, the planned Davis Cup Reform. Opponents of the new Format are numerous, in Europe and Australia, massive resistance is forming. The decision is a close one.
John McEnroe and Boris Becker (R) riding to the best of the longest Match in Davis Cup history (6.Std., 39 Min)
The quarter-finals Spain against Germany in April, was once again advertising for the Davis Cup. Great backdrop of the bullfighting Arena of Valencia, many of the audience, and pack the end of games – all, what makes the Davis Cup, was offered.
It is one of the last Highlights in the tradition, could be the team competition of the Tennis rich-men have been, at least in the previous Format. In Orlando/Florida in the Tennis world Federation of ITF matches on Thursday to a radical reform that would change the Davis Cup completely.
What is it exactly?
The prestige project of the controversial ITF President David Haggerty. The Americans want to change the Format of the Davis Cup from 2019. After a preliminary round in February in the previous style, with home and away games, twelve Teams will qualify for the final week, which will be held in November at a neutral venue.
18 teams (the four semi-finalists of the previous year and two Wildcard Teams) will be initially distributed to six groups each with three Teams, then it goes into the K. o.-round. Unlike in the past, only two instead of three winning sets will be played. In addition, there are only two single and a double. So far, four singles and one doubles to be played.
Why you want to change the Format?
On the future of the Davis Cup has been discussed for a long time. Players criticize that the effort with several rounds, was spread over the year to. The main reason for the plans of the Haggerty, the financially lucrative offer from the investment group Kosmos, behind the Spanish soccer star Gerard Piqué is. Cosmos provides three billion dollars for a Deal for over 25 years.
What is the German Tennis Federation to the plans?
“We will definitely vote against it,” says DTB-Boss Ulrich Klaus. “Because we find that the spirit of the Davis Cup is lost completely.” The DTB will also have in future a Chance to present its best players to the home crowd.
What the players say?
The Stars of the industry are holding back so far, with Comments. Probably because you all of the Details are not yet known. Former players such as Australia’s Lleyton Hewitt, however, are strongly opposed to the plans. And also, Germany’s Tennis legend Boris Becker does not think much of it. “I think it’s fantastic to play here in the bullfighting arena. You can’t make money even betting,” said Becker in Valencia in April. “This is unique, and that’s why I don’t want to miss this home – and-away games.”
It’s in Orlando is also the Fed Cup?
No, it’s not. Also in the team competition the ladies will be reformed. First of all, should be the future of the Davis Cup to be clarified.
jst/cc (with sid)