‘We need to find a way to fix it’ – Exhausted Rafael Nadal calls for Davis Cup and ATP Cup rethink

Rafael Nadal has called for the ATP Cup and the Davis Cup to merge, claiming it is ‘impossible’ for the two to co-exist.
Nadal led Spain to Davis Cup glory in November, but was unable to repeat the trick at the ATP Cup last weekend.
Both tournaments, though, are very similar in format, and essentially back-to-back on the calendar as they sandwich the close-season break.
When asked to assess the ATP Cup after Spain’s final defeat to Serbia, Nadal said: “It is a long competition. Is a tough way to start the season. I don’t know.
“I think it is a great competition, but at the same time I can’t change my mind that two World Cups in one month is not real. So is not possible.
“So we need to find a way to fix it and we need to find a way to make a big deal with ITF and ATP to create a big World Team Cup competition, not two World Cups in one month.
“I think that’s a confusion for the spectators, and we need to be clear in our sport.
“And for the health of our sport and for the benefit of our sport it is, in my opinion, mandatory that we fix it.”
Nadal opted not to play the decisive doubles match in the final, which Spain lost.
Djokovic played for Serbia, and starred as they sealed the win they needed to become the tournament’s first ever champions.
RELATED: ‘I’ll remember this for the rest of my life,’ says Novak Djokovic after Serbia win ATP Cup
And, afterwards, Nadal confirmed his absence was down to exhaustion, saying: “I have been playing a lot of tennis the last couple of days.
“My level of energy is a little bit lower than usual because I played long yesterday, very long before yesterday, very long in Perth the last day.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon day one: Andy Murray digs deep and Emma Raducanu thrills on Centre Court
Two brief suspensions due to rain failed to dampen spirits on day one at the All England Club.
-
Wimbledon
Andy Murray hoping for more matches on Centre Court after first round win
Wimbledon is willing on another Andy Murray run.
-
Wimbledon
Carlos Alcaraz admits he has to improve after first round struggle
Carlos Alcaraz claims he needs to find his level on grass.
-
Wimbledon
Novak Djokovic clearly rusty but still the Wimbledon favourite – Robson
Novak Djokovic looks at home on Centre Court.
-
Wimbledon
Emma Raducanu ‘happy to stay another day’ at Wimbledon as she eases past Alison Van Uytvanck
Emma Raducanu up and running at Wimbledon 2022.
-
News
Novak Djokovic claims Wimbledon win No 80 and declares that ‘the love and flame for tennis still burns for me’
The six-time champion battled past Kwon Soon-woo in four sets.
-
News
The saint of Wimbledon: Jodie Burrage nurses ball boy during first-round defeat
Burrage passed out Percy Pigs to the youngster at SW19.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon: Nerveless Cameron Norrie books spot in second round
Norrie clinched a 6-0 7-6 (3) 6-3 victory on Court Two to become the first home winner of the tournament.
-
ATP Tour
ATP Rankings: Stefanos Tsitsipas back into top five thanks to first title on grass
The ATP Rankings are set to be shaken up in the next fortnight.
-
Wimbledon
Carlos Alcaraz backs himself to upstage the icons at Wimbledon
Carlos Alacaraz believes he can hang with the best but has to get past Jan-Lennard Struff first.