‘Grand Slams to blame for death of Davis Cup,’ blast angry Team France
Team France have launched a stunning attack on the ITF over their controversial Davis Cup changes.
The French lost the last final in the competition’s traditional format on Sunday, but it is the future of the competition that appears to have angered them the most.
“There are other means to find money,” said Nicolas Mahut.
“The Grand Slam tournaments could have given some of their revenues and the Davis Cup would have been saved.
“We needed to find ways to lighten the schedule, we had so many good ideas to save that competition.
“There were other solutions.”
RELATED: Ruthless Marin Cilic holds his nerve to win Davis Cup for Croatia
Team-mate Lucas Pouille, who lost the decisive rubber in the final to Croatia’s Marin Cilic, was equally as stinging in his criticism.
“Last year I was crying of joy, this year I was crying because I was sad,” Pouille said.
“I’m not going to change my mind about the new format.
“As far as I’m concerned, I’m not going to play in the Davis Cup anymore. That was the last time.”
France captain Noah Yannick added: “It will never be the same, it’s going to be something else.
“I really hope this is not going to be called the Davis Cup.
“Playing two sets is not the Davis Cup. They are lying.”
More from Tennis365:
Comment: Roger Federer’s lack of excuses suggest he is closer to the end that we feared
EXCLUSIVE: Greg Rusedski makes a bold Novak Djokovic prediction ahead of 2019 season
EXCLUSIVE: Greg Rusedski gives his verdict on what comes next for Roger Federer
Comment: Agnieszka Radwanska retires as one of Poland’s all-time greats
Comment: A Roger Federer in decline is still far better than most players, so respect it
Johnny Nic: Save the infantile booing for pantomime season, not great tennis spectacles
Latest
-
WimbledonRafael Nadal understands both sides of ATP-Wimbledon row
“I respect and I understand Wimbledon’s position,” says Nadal.
-
WimbledonRussian-born player admits ‘I can’t go back to Russia’, but says ‘Wimbledon is still going to be Wimbledon’
Daria Saville not holding back.
-
WTA TourSerena Williams to follow Roger Federer out of rankings list
A run of nearly 25 years will come to an end after the July 11 WTA Rankings update, in which Serena Williams will drop off.
-
French OpenEmma Raducanu praised for showing character as ‘people are sort of doubting her a little bit’
Plenty of praise for Emma Raducanu.
-
ATP TourNovak Djokovic condems Wimbledon’s ‘lose-lose’ decision
The world number one didn’t mince his words about the situation following his first-round victory at the French Open.
-
ATP TourRoger Federer to fall out of ATP Rankings list
The former world number one will be an unranked player for the first time in nearly 25 years in six weeks’ time.
-
French OpenFrench Open recap: Emma Raducanu joins Brits in second round
Britain’s US Open champion was a set and a break down against 17-year-old qualifier Linda Novoska on Monday but battled back to win in three.
-
NewsJohn McEnroe and Tim Henman in feisty exchange over Wimbledon’s Russia ban
John McEnroe challenged Tim Henman over Wimbledon’s decision to ban Russia and Belarusian players.
-
French OpenBattling Emma Raducanu finds words to sum up her first French Open win
Emma Raducanu narrowly avoided a taste of her own medicine after coming from a set down.
-
French OpenMenacing Novak Djokovic sends out powerful warning at French Open
Djokovic beat Japan’s Nishioka 6-3 6-1 6-0 in a one-sided first night match of the tournament.