“It’s a Disaster”: Legendary Davis Cup Captain Lashes Out at Gerard Pique
Follow Us
Ever since the inauguration of the new format to the Davis Cup in 2019, fans were divided over the Gerard Pique’s initiative to concise the previous long format into a short, crisp one that runs over a week.
When the tournament with the new format was held in 2019, the initial response from fans wasn’t satisfactory although it has to be mentioned that Spain’s matches garnered huge attention as the tournament was held in Madrid.
Not to forget the presence of Rafael Nadal amplified the attention surrounding the event alongside world no.1 Novak Djokovic. This year, the tournament decided to move across cities for the round-robin stages as well as for a few of the quarter-final matches.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
There are also plans that Pique’s company Kosmos, who is behind Davis Cup, is planning to host the finals in Abu Dhabi next year and might even move across cities in the future.
This move was received with a wide-spread criticism from former players as they feared that the tournament is gradually losing its flavor.
Former captain expresses displeasure with new Davis Cup changes
One of the players to have reacted to this change is Nikola Pilic, former Croatian tennis player and acted as the team captain when the country won its first ever Davis Cup back in 2005. The team had stalwarts such as Goran Ivanisevic, Ivan Ljubicic, and Ivo Karlovic.
Trending
‘RIP’ – Heartbroken Brother of John McEnroe Mourns ESPN Legend’s Tragic Death Who Last Tweeted About Coco Gauff
April 21, 2024 02:43 PM EDT
Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Gushes Over Her Pink Attire as Part of Nike’s Latest Endeavor
April 23, 2024 05:55 PM EDT
Darwin Blanch: How Father’s Relentless Efforts for His Brother Ended up Becoming a Boon for Rafael Nadal’s Opponent
April 24, 2024 06:52 PM EDT
Madrid Open 2024: Ugo Humbert vs Botic Van De Zandschulp; Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction
April 26, 2024 07:18 AM EDT
Do Darwin Blanch’s Siblings Play Tennis? Everything to Know About the Young American’s Power-Packed Family
April 25, 2024 01:54 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Watch this story: Five Major Life Lessons We Can Learn From Tennis Star Serena Williams
Pilic was bothered that the new format is not providing the necessary atmosphere that the tournament is known for.
“What this Barcelona footballer (Gerard Pique) and some other people next to him who bought a lot of money, it’s a disaster. I ask them, where is the atmosphere? The Davis Cup used to be a symbol for the right atmosphere, where is it today?”.
Nikola Pilic disagrees with Pique’s idea of moving finals to Abu Dhabi
The legendary Davis Cup captain also talked about moving the finals to Abu Dhabi.
“Watch out, they are now saying they will take the final to Abu Dhabi, so after three years they would go to America and do some show there that has nothing to do with the Davis Cup”.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Pilic continued, “The Davis Cup is playing for your country, it’s the emotions, the atmosphere, everything is buzzing, this is where the real players get the most out of themselves”.
Despite the fact that players always feel pride representing their respective nations at the Davis Cup, the chances of top players participating at the event has always been a big question, irrespective of the formats.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
While the changes made to the event are commendable, Pilic and others feel that the traditional value of Davis Cup is being lost as it’s slowly turning out into an exhibition event.
Alexander Zverev Makes First Public Appearance With German Actress and Girlfriend Sophia Thomalla