ATP Cup 2020: Novak Djokovic Wants Davis Cup To Merge With ATP Cup

Novak Djokovic has reiterated the popular demand. He has called for the merger of the ATP Cup and the Davis Cup.

The Serbian has placed this demand a day after Denis Shapovalov also suggested the same. Interestingly, Novak Djokovic was also asked questions about the comments of Shapovalov. Djokovic’s remarks assume significance because he is the President of the ATP player’s council.

What Did Novak Djokovic Say?

Novak Djokovic had this to say about Shapovalov’s concerns- “We need to have one Super World Cup event, whatever you want to call it.”

In fact, Novak Djokovic went one step further and even suggested a timeline for the proposed merger.

Know More – ATP Cup 2020: Denis Shapovalov Wants A Merger With Davis Cup

“That’s not going to happen next year as well. But if the two sides, the ITF, the Davis Cup and the ATP get together very quickly, it can happen possibly for 2022. I hope it will happen because it’s kind of hard to get top players to commit to playing both events, the Davis Cup and the ATP Cup.”

Djokovic also emphasised on the practical concerns regarding the simultaneous organization. “And it’s six weeks apart, so they’re not really helping each other in terms of marketing, in terms of the value of the event.”

Who Else Has Voiced Their Concerns?

In addition to Denis Shapovalov and Novak Djokovic, French player Nicolas Mahut has also expressed concerns.

“Obviously, we don’t need two competitions the same way. Two team competitions is too much,” said Mahut. 

Considering the number of players who have suggested this, the ITF and the ATP should certainly pay heed. The concerns raised sound practical as well as logical.

In order to call itself a world championship, competition should be unique. Additionally, there’s also a Laver Cup being played. Having so many team events runs the risk of over-saturation.

Do you think the ITF and the ATP will come together for a merger?