Davis Cup format draws criticism from ‘tired’ Lleyton Hewitt
The Australian captain and former world number one says he is “fed up” with the revamped Davis Cup and wants change.
Hewitt’s Australian team almost won the competition, but lost in the final to an Italian team inspired by the talented Jannik Sinner.
This was the fourth edition of the tournament since the historic home-and-away format was changed to qualifiers and a week-long final. All four matches were held in Spain, and all four matches were played on hard courts.
Hewitt won the Davis Cup twice as a player. The matches were played on grass and clay, once at home as part of the team and once away as part of the team.
However, it is fair to say that he is not impressed with the current format, although he does appreciate that the organizers have made the most of it.
“The organization was good. They did a good job with their format,” Hewitt said. “No 5-set games or home and away games, always played on the same surface?
“It’s pretty boring to compete in the same place all the time. That’s not the purpose of competition.”
Part of Hewitt’s frustration with the conditions and pitch may be due to the fact that he was a perfect fit for Italian star Sinner, who defeated Novak Djokovic twice in one day in the semi-finals.
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However, Mr. Hewitt also made sure to acknowledge Mr. Sinner’s great achievements.
“He has proven he is one of the best four in the world right now,” he said. “The conditions here are favorable for him and he came with great confidence. I’m very happy with everything the team has achieved.”
Davis Cup ‘rethink’ required
Hewitt is just the latest high-profile tennis figure to join those calling for changes to the Davis Cup.
The future of the event is currently uncertain as Kosmos, the investment group that changed the format, pulled out earlier this year.
This is his chance to return Davis Cup to its roots, and Novak Djokovic wants his players to have a say in it.
“This is a tournament that takes place all over the world,” Djokovic told reporters in Malaga. “He should not stay in one place for more than a year. p>
“So far, no one at ITF has really communicated with us, so everyone should have their say.” I don’t think we all agree. Although opinions probably vary, Davis Cup has been very famous in the past for its home and away games.
“It’s too much for one country to host the [Final] Eight for four years. We have to travel.”
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