‘I don’t know if he will play the Davis Cup one day’ – Gerard Pique discusses Roger Federer rift

Davis Cup
Roger Federer press conference at Laver Cup

Gerard Pique says the Davis Cup has made a new approach to Roger Federer in an attempt to build bridges with the Swiss star, but they have been ‘surprised’ by his fresh resistance to the tournament.

The Davis Cup’s new format is set to debut this month, with the tournament being decided over a week of World Cup style Finals rather than spread out over the whole year, as is what used to happen.

Organisers released a star-studded line-up for the Finals last week, with both Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic set to take part.

The standout absentee, though is Roger Federer, who has engaged in something of a long-distance war of words with Pique since the footballer became involved.

Pique at one stage indicated organisers wanted the slot in the calendar in September occupied by Federer’s Laver Cup, which had its third edition this year.

Asked if he had thought of calling Federer, Pique said: “No, I’ve always wanted to respect the process.

“First we talked with his agent about the possibility of Switzerland (playing) in 2020. He said he would send a formal letter to Roger. They sent us the letter and we were surprised by its contents.

“They see the Davis Cup as a little competition compared to his competition. I don’t know if he will play in the Davis Cup one day, but we are delighted with all the players who do come to it.”

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