Current Davis Cup format not good for players, says Djokovic

The Davis Cup, the premier international team event in men’s tennis, began in 1900 as a challenge between the United States of America and Great Britain. The competition is now spread over four weekends in a year with the 16 top countries participating in the World Group. With many top players picking and choosing which ties to play in the schedule, World No.1 Novak Djokovic has called for a change of format to increase the relevance of the tournament.

"I definitely stand for a change of format of the Davis Cup," said 12-time Grand Slam title winner Djokovic, reported AFP.

"The format, as it is, doesn't work anymore," he added.

Make four groups, winners of all groups go to playoffs. Create it really attractive, not just for us tennis players, but for fans, for media, for everybody, for sponsors."

Djokovic, who guided Serbia to its only title triumph in 2010, believes that a football-style tournament, which will be held over two weeks would be the way to go.

"Create one event in one year or two years that would be held over two weeks," suggested the Serb.

"Make four groups, winners of all groups go to playoffs. Create it really attractive, not just for us tennis players, but for fans, for media, for everybody, for sponsors."

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The Serbian added that playing throughout the year is a big challenge for players, especially with them concentrating on Grand Slams.

"Throughout the whole year, it's a big challenge because of the schedule. You have four rounds in the best case scenario of the World Group," the 29-year-old added, reported AFP.

"The best match in terms of schedule for a top player is the first one. Every match after that you need to play after either a Grand Slam or after a season finale.

"I think we do need to create a radical change because if we continue having this kind of format, it's not going to be good for players," Djokovic said.

The Serbian is on course to retaining his title at the Wimbledon after reaching the third round by defeating Adrian Mannarino 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (7/5). The top seed will now face either Sam Querrey or Thomaz Bellucci for a place in the last-16.

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