‘An utter disgrace!’ – Slam legend blasts ‘new low’ for Davis Cup following controversial announcement
Todd Woodbridge has condemned the decision by the ITF to hand Canada a wildcard into the Davis Cup group stage after losing their March qualifier 4-0 to The Netherlands.
Canada replace defending champion the Russian Tennis Federation after the ITF suspended their membership due to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.
But 16-time men’s doubles Slam champion Woodbridge believes the move makes for a disgraceful day in the sport.
What an utter disgrace [from the] ITF and Davis Cup,” Woodbridge tweeted.
“Canada has lost this year, but given a second chance wildcard!
“This is a new low for our sport.
“Just can’t fathom how far this great competition has sunk.”
When a response pointed out that the Canadians were simply replacing the Russians and that the ITF can hardly be blamed, he offered an alternative solution that the Davis Cup organisers could have taken.
He replied: “How about using a winning nation from the World Group 1 ties played this year?”
Like the qualifiers, the World Group 1 ties, which are a level below the qualifiers, took place in early March and saw Chile, India, Turkey, Portugal, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Israel, New Zealand, Ukraine, Pakistan, Peru, Switzerland and Mexico progress.
The ITF announcement of Canada as a wildcard came alongside confirmation of four new European venues for the group stage in September.
What an utter disgrace @ITFTennis and @DavisCup Canada has lost this year, but given a second chance wildcard! This is a new low for our sport. Just can’t fathom how far this great competition has sunk.
— Todd Woodbridge (@toddwoodbridge) March 17, 2022
How about using a winning nation from the world group 1 ties played this year?
— Todd Woodbridge (@toddwoodbridge) March 17, 2022
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