The Davis Cup has come under intense criticism since changing the format of the international competition in 2021.
The tournament moved away from five rubber matches with a home and away crowd in favour of a one-location competition from the quarter-finals onward.
Steve Johnson has called the Davis Cup format ‘awful’, while the likes of Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz have criticised the event.
The event coming under fire is not a new thing, however, as several stars have questioned the tournament throughout the years.
Pete Sampras called for a Davis Cup change in 2008
Pete Sampras is a Davis Cup legend, having helped the United States win the tournament on two occasions in 1992 and 1995.
The American played the tournament eight times and held an impressive 15-8 singles record, as well as 4-1 in doubles.
Despite his longevity in the tournament, Pistol Pete shared one change he was desperate for the tournament to make.
The Davis Cup has to make a change… which is your preference?
In his 2008 autobiography, A Champion’s Mind, Sampras said: “The comparison between Davis Cup, which struggles to get adequate exposure and public respect, and golf’s hugely successful Ryder Cup is interesting: Ryder Cup is a one-week event played every two years.
“Davis Cup is an annual event, played in four rounds on a rolling basis in unpredictable places. I wish they would adopt a different Davis Cup model —play it in one place, over a specific period (two weeks would be ideal), and see what happens.”
While the tournament has moved it to a specific period, the event still only takes place over four days and still requires matches throughout the year.
What the ITF has said about changing the Davis Cup again
Former British tennis player Ross Hutchins, who is now the Chief Executive of the International Tennis Federation, has opened up about certain changes to the tournament in the future.
Speaking to The Athletic, he said: “I’m very keen to try and do what’s necessary to make this a priority. If that means more adjustments, then I’m the guy who’s going to listen to be open to that conversation.
“But we’re happy with the changes to home-and-away from September this year – so far it’s been electric – and with how things were in Malaga.”
The 2026 draw for the Davis Cup has already been made, with Great Britain set for a first-round tie with Norway.
