The International Tennis Federation believes the current Davis Cup format enjoys strong support within the sport, despite increasing calls from top players for the event to fully revert to its original
format, according to new Chief Executive Ross Hutchins.
The traditional home-and-away structure was abandoned in 2019. Although some aspects of it were reintroduced for the earlier rounds of this year’s competition, complaints continued during the concluding Final 8 tournament in Bologna this week.
Andrea Gaudenzi, chief of the ATP, which manages the men’s professional tour, has joined top players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in advocating for a complete return to the old system and for the men’s team competition to be spread over two years.
“The nations are the ones we also have to listen to, and there’s been huge support,” Hutchins told Reuters during a video call on Tuesday.
“More players have participated this year than ever before. A significant number of nations are involved in this competition, and we have to consider that aspect as well.
“We have close relationships with other governing bodies in tennis and with players. We are open to discussing anything that concerns them.”
Hutchins, who succeeded Kelly Fairweather at the end of last month, highlighted the success of the Final 8 in Malaga over the past three years before it moved to its new location in Italy.
The Briton emphasised that the ITF remains open to discussions with players, fans, and other stakeholders.
“We are in Bologna for the next three years, and we had very successful years in Malaga. Let’s evaluate how we deliver this year’s event,” he added.
“We are always open to conversations and have the right relationships to understand the perspectives of key players, fans, and different governing bodies.”
This year’s Final 8 is missing world number one Alcaraz, who withdrew from the Spanish team due to injury, while Italy’s Sinner, the number two, opted to focus on his preparations for his Australian Open title defence in January.
The withdrawal of another Italian, world number eight Lorenzo Musetti, leaves Germany’s Alexander Zverev, ranked third, as the only top-10 singles player remaining in the Davis Cup.
“I don’t think it’s dampened the enthusiasm,” Hutchins said about the absence of major names.
“Player withdrawals happen regularly, whether at major events, the ATP Finals, or throughout the year. Injuries occur. You can’t really account for what happened to Carlos recently.
“Jannik is having an incredible few years, reaching finals almost every week. Huge credit to him and Carlos. I don’t think it’s dampened spirits. It’s a team competition, and nations and captains are passionate about their teams.
“That’s what’s so special about this competition: the significance of this event, its history, and the team aspect. Everyone is very excited.”
