Wilander criticises Davis Cup revamp ahead of ‘last’ final

LONDON: The Davis Cup must not try to compete with the soon-tobe-launched ATP Cup and revert to its traditional home and away format, according to former Grand Slam champion Mats Wilander.

In a controversial move the International Tennis Federation (ITF) this year voted to revamp the 118-year-old team event which is known for its partisan, soccer-like crowds.

Instead of a year-long draw in which ties are played on the home soil of one of the nations involved, including the final, a week-long 18-nation event, backed to the tune of $3 billion by investment group Kosmos, will kick off in Madrid next November. Next weekend’s Davis Cup final in Lille’s Stade Pierre Mauroy, where hosts and defending champions France take on Croatia, will be the last of its kind.

Wilander says the ITF should think again.

“I think the Davis Cup is in the middle of reorganising but they are not really knowing exactly what they need to do to get it back on track,” Wilander, who won three finals with Sweden, said in an interview at the ATP Finals in London. “They should not be competing with the ATP Cup.

“Davis Cup must be home and away and inspire local enthusiasts. To take away, for example, Belgium’s chance to play at home in the Davis Cup semi-final and put them on neutral ground, that’s crazy.”