Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic react to Davis Cup change
Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic have backed planned changes to the Davis Cup format.
Earlier this week, the ITF announced plans to change the format of the competition, changing it to a week-long event at a neutral venue.
The current format is deemed by some of the top professionals as quite intrusive into their singles’ play schedule, with Djokovic a particular critic over the years.
“This is fantastic news,” Djokovic told Le Parisien about the change.
“We all want to play for our country, but I have been saying for years that the current format does not work.
“The proof, the best players are increasingly rare to participate regularly.
“I did it for years, I went after reaching the final rounds in Grand Slam. Each time you tell yourself that it is not reasonable.
“Changing the format of the Davis Cup is a decision that many have been waiting for.”
Federer was slightly less enthusiastic, but he still backed the plans, adding: “I’m surprised this is happening, just because I do not know another Davis Cup other than the current format.
“Time will tell us if it’s okay, I’m hearing a lot of extremely positive and extremely negative reactions.
“It will be interesting to see what happens, if it will be the final format.”
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