“I like this idea” – Daniil Medvedev backs plans for 2022 Davis Cup
This year’s Davis Cup champion Daniil Medvedev feels the recently revealed plans to have five host cities for the 2022 Davis Cup are “a great idea.”
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) recently revealed they plan to increase the number of host cities from three to five, as well as reduce the total number of teams from 18 to 16.
16 nations would compete across four groups of four with each group being held in a different European city, before the top eight teams then progress to the knockout stages which will be held in a fifth neutral city.
Whilst initial proposals to move the tournament to Abu Dhabi were met with a mixed response and many former players were critical of the move, World number two Daniil Medvedev thinks these new plans are a “very good idea.”
When asked about the revisions, US Open champion Medvedev replied “I think the idea itself is very good. Of course, the calendar doesn’t let Davis Cup be in any other week, so that’s where it’s tough.
“That’s where some top players are not going to play because it’s the end of the season, somebody’s burned out, somebody’s injured, somebody wants to prepare well [for the] Australia [Open], so that’s not easy.
“In general, the idea of having four cities in Europe, trying to get of course best countries to play there in front of their home crowd, and gather together in Abu Dhabi where I heard it’s amazing stadium and amazing facilities, I like this idea.
“Again, it’s going to be tough for any player, especially who is in the Masters, to be able to cope up with the season.”
Medvedev also hopes Russia will be considered as one of the host cities, but recognised the difficulty of this due to the sanctions placed upon Russia. Russia were banned from all international sporting competitions until 2023 after they were found guilty of systematic doping.
“I can say for myself, I think there is small problem with the flag and everything, which of course we cannot push Olympic Committee (IOC) to do anything about it – I think that’s part of the problem.
“If not, I heard we have some chances. I would be really, of course, we all would be really proud to play in Russia.”
The RTF have already qualified for next year’s tournament after beating Croatia to become the reigning champions.
🎾 Read >> Breaking tennis news
🎾 Follow >> 24/7 LIVE scores
🎾 Free >> Receive our legendary newsletter
🎾 Join >> Tennishead CLUB, the world’s only virtual tennis club
🎾 Social >> Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube
🎾 Order >> World’s best tennis magazine
🎾 Shop >> Lowest price tennis gear from our trusted retail partner
