Djokovic calls for merger of ATP Cup & Davis Cup
MADRID: Novak Djokovic says the Davis Cup Finals and the ATP Cup cannot co-exist and must merge and believes an elite eightnation competition in September would be the ideal scenario.
The 32-year-old 16-time Grand Slam champion helped Serbia to a 3-0 victory over Japan in their Group A opener on Wednesday at L a C a j a Mag i c a whe r e a revamped Davis Cup climax is being contested by 18 nations over seven days.
In January, 24 nations will contest the ATP Cup across three cities in Australia, leading to the obvious question of how two similar-looking team events can take place six weeks apart.
Djokovic would appear to have his feet in both camps. He is president of the ATP’S Player Council but also has a deep affection for the International Tennis Federation’s flagship Davis Cup, having won the title in 2010.
“I’m sure that organisers of (the Davis Cup) are doing their best to make this a successful week, a successful event,” Djokovic said.
“It’s a lot of responsibility and pressure on them because this is the most traditional, historic team event in our sport. There’s a tremendous burden of history on them to make it right.
“But then, of course, scheduling was always an issue, for both
ATP Cup and Davis Cup. In my opinion, which was an idea, that it could happen, was a merger between the two. And so I think it’s still open for the future.”
MURRAY LEADS CHARGE MADRID: The Davis Cup has a new format but Andy Murray’s love of a comeback remains intact after the Scot battled from behind to beat Tallon Griekspoor as Great Britain edged past Holland.
Murray came from a set down and then trailed 4-1 in the decider in Madrid before beating the spirited Griekspoor, ranked 179 in the world, 6-7 (7/9), 6-4, 7-6 (7/5).
A scrappy victory gave Great Britain the lead in their opening Group E tie and while Dan Evans lost the second singles rubber to Robin Haase, Jamie Murray and Neal Skupski finished the job in the doubles.
Rafael Nadal won his 26th consecutive Davis Cup singles match later on Wednesday as Spain booked their place in the quarterfinals with a 3-0 victory over defending champions Croatia.
Argentina could have secured progress by beating Germany but lost all three matches as Philipp Kohlschreiber beat Guido Pella and Jan-lennard Struff overcame Diego Schwartzman to establish an unassailable advantage.
Canada are already through and will meet Australia in the last eight, after Leyton Hewitt’s team beat Belgium 2-1.