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The Davis Cup is encountering surprising demands for a modification to the format of the 125-year-old tournament.
This prestigious event was first established in 1900 and has since become the world’s largest annual international team competition in sports.
The Davis Cup will conclude on SundayCredit: Getty
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz support a change to the tournamentCredit: Getty
More than 150 nations have entered this year, with the final scheduled for November 23.
The quarter-finals will be the next round, featuring Italy against Austria and France facing Belgium.
Spain will compete against Croatia, while Argentina will take on Germany in the other two matchups.
Despite the remaining nations in the tournament, stars from Italy and Spain are both sidelined due to injuries.
Only Germany remains in the tournament, and their team is currently ranked in the top 10 globally.
There have been proposals to change the tournament from an annual event to one held every two years.
Alcaraz and Sinner have both expressed their support for this change.
Ross Hutchins, the chief executive of the International Tennis Federation (ITF), has stated that he will consult with top players to encourage their participation.
He told the BBC: “The history of this event is that it has been a very popular team competition, consistently held every year for the last 125 years.
“We have a three-year agreement in Bologna, which we are very excited about.
“Malaga was very successful in recent years as a season-ending event, showcasing top players and compelling narratives.
“So the question is, what is the best approach moving forward?
“I maintain close relationships with the top players and the governing bodies, so I will be having discussions to gather their perspectives.
“We are aware of the discussions and sentiments expressed, so I will certainly engage in those conversations and proceed from there.”
Many top players choose to skip the tournament since it occurs during the last major event of the season.
By opting out of this event, they can gain additional rest and recovery time before the onset of the next season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Davis Cup?
The Davis Cup is the largest annual international team competition in sports, first held in 1900.
Why are players opting out of the Davis Cup?
Many top players are opting out because the tournament occurs during the last major event of the season, allowing them more time for rest and recovery.
Is there a proposal to change the frequency of the Davis Cup?
Yes, there have been suggestions to change the Davis Cup from an annual event to one held every two years.
