Amritraj against World Cup of tennis in one week
new delhi — The proposed World Cup of tennis in one week is a “horrible idea” since it will take away the charm of home and away ties which allows countries like India to host players such as Rafael Nadal, contends former India captain Anand Amritraj.
The ITF Board of Directors unanimously endorsed the proposal to create a season-ending World Cup of Tennis finals featuring 18 nations. The matches will be played over a week at a single venue in the traditional week of Davis Cup final in November.
The idea will be put to vote at ITF AGM in August in Orlando and needs two-third majority to become a reality. The revamp idea has come after the ITF struck a deal with investment group Kosmos, founded and run by Spanish international and FC Barcelona footballer Gerard Pique. It is expected to generate revenue to the tune of $3 billion in a 25-year period. “The World Cup of Tennis in the proposed one week format is a horrible idea. If this is being floated by ITF President Dave Haggerty to keep the top players happy, as well as for some financial gain, that’s even worse,” Amritraj said.
The Finals will feature a roundrobin format followed by a quarterfinal knockout stage. The 16 World Group nations will automatically qualify for the Finals, and a further two countries will be selected.
The top players have been complaining of crammed schedule and have skipped ties for their respective nations and the proposed format is expected to bring them to the prestigious tournament.
Among active international stars, Lleyton Hewitt has criticised the idea by saying that the ITF is trying to “kill off” home and away ties, five-set tennis and the “unbelievable atmosphere” the event generates. — PTI