Amid Fierce Criticism, Revamped Davis Cup Format Gets the Backing of Tennis Top Dog – ‘Needed to Change’

The prestigious Davis Cup is attracting a lot of criticism since its format has been restructured. While the side of the negative criticism is higher, David Haggerty, the president of the International Tennis Federation, supported the changes newly brought for the players. Previously, Lleyton Hewitt, the Australian legendary tennis player, came forward in support of the changes.

The Davis Cup’s current format is believed to bring a lot of triggers to the memories of fans who saw players overcoming the challenging courts. Despite the criticisms, Haggerty’s comment on the matter might bring hope for all that this change will benefit tennis.

David Haggerty drops support in favor of the Davis Cup’s new format

Many argued that the Davis Cup’s essence lies in the home-and-away ties. However, the International Tennis Federation’s president, David Haggerty, would say otherwise. Referring to the importance of changing the tournament’s structure for evolving it, Haggerty mentioned how the decision is based on mutual decision.

He said- “This new format was firstly based on player feedback. Everyone agreed that the Davis Cup needed to change. This resulted in changes that we are very happy with. We like this formula.” Now mentioning this, Haggerty addresses that not all the countries might agree to the format but since the majority accepted it, the ITF is comfortable with the new format.

While Haggerty remains straight in his opinion, some countries believe that it would kill the essence of the tournament’s competition. Now that all the eight participating countries will centrally take part in the finals at Malaga, it can also benefit certain players. However, players like Stanislas Wawrinka are yet to agree on it.

Stanislas Wawrinka got into a row with Gerard Pique over Davis Cup’s new format

While David Haggerty seemed exceptionally welcoming about the new format of the Davis Cup, players like Wawrinka criticized it. The Swiss simply brought up the debate after posting a clip of an empty stadium from the Davis Cup match in Manchester. Now, Wawrinka targeted Pique, whose company, Kosmos, brought the changes to the Davis Cup’s existing format. In reply, Pique tweeted a picture of the previous year’s final with a huge audience, but Wawrinka wasn’t convinced.

The Davis Cup’s new format might disappoint many players, but it will be followed since the ITF agreed to it. However, it might impact the players and the nations participating in it. What are your views about the new format?

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