Novak Djokovic’s Intimate Confession Used as Glaring Example to Expose Davis Cup’s Ultimate Problem – ‘It’s a Shame’

It has been more than a week since the end of this year’s Davis Cup. But controversies surrounding the 123-year-old prestigious tournament seem far from over. Recently, the 40-year-old Luxembourgish former ATP Star gave an exclusive interview to ES, where he put light on the controversies regarding the new format of the tournament citing Novak Djokovic‘s example. Let’s find out what the 2-time major singles quarterfinalist has to say on this.

The controversial 25-year deal between Gerard Pique‘s Kosmos Group and ITF ended earlier this year. They had promised to provide $ 3 Billion to tennis and secure the future of the Davis Cup for the rest of the years. However, it was heavily criticized for scrapping the older format and switching to a new one which is more aligned to a World Cup style event.

Gilles Muller draws Novak Djokovic while explaining the controversies surrounding the Davis Cup

Following his retirement in 2018 after winning 2 titles on the ATP Tour, Muller was appointed as the captain of Luxembourg’s Davis Cup team. Here’s what he says about the brainchild of Gerard Pique and the controversies surrounding it in the Davis Cup.

“In my opinion, I think I totally relate to the players that say that it’s different because you don’t have the home games anymore. Atmosphere to be playing at home in front of your friends, in front of your family. If that’s not there, I think the competition is not the same. Davis Cup was about that,” said Muller.

He further added, “Davis Cup was about playing in front of your home crowd or playing against a hostile crowd, against you, even if it was not fun always to play abroad. But still, I mean, it’s those moments that you work for. And so to not have that anymore, I think it’s a shame.” Muller also went on to illustrate his point using the example of Djokovic.

“Novak Djokovic said he hasn’t played home since five or six years. That’s not normal. He should be able to play in Serbia in front of his home crowd. He gives so much to his country and he’s not able to play in front of his home crowd. It’s a shame,” said Gilles Muller.

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Novak Djokovic had also earlier expressed his disappointment over the new format. The 24-time Grand Slam winner believes things could’ve been much better with discussions.

Novak Djokovic on the debatable topic

Djokovic is known for speaking his mind out. Earlier he had raised concerns about the changes made in the premier international team event. The new format was introduced in 2019. ITF had cited that the tournament was losing its popularity among the masses, so a change was necessary. However, this autocratic decision raised the eyebrows of many involved in the racket sport.

Novak Djokovic felt a hybrid of the older and current format of the tournament would’ve been the best idea. He stressed that Serbian fans have been deprived of witnessing their nation’s icon for several years now. Djokovic felt this wasn’t doing any good for the growth of the sport in the country and also putting Federations in trouble.

Djokovic highlighted the importance of having a proper discussion with players and teams before making such important decisions. This year Djokovic failed to repeat the heroics of 2010, can he fulfill his wish next year at the Davis Cup?

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