Novak Djokovic continues. After his coronation at the US Open, the man with 24 Grand Slam titles defends the colors of Serbia this week during the final stages of the Davis Cup. Asked at a press conference about Gerard Piqué, target of criticism and questioned on social networks by Stan Wawrinka at the beginning of the week, concerning the current format of the team competition, the world number one preferred to blame the ITF. “I think the ITF has the final decision and authorized the format change in 2019 by accepting Pique’s contract with his investment group. We can’t blame him for this change. If there’s anyone to blame, it’s the ITF, because they make the decision. There are people who like him and others who don’t like him.”
Djokovic is one of the “pro Pique”. He denies this: “Some people have used statements I’ve made in the past to say I support them. The truth is that I now think that this format is not ideal. The precedent needed to be changed, but we need to find a balance between the precedent and the current. » Will boss Djokovic’s words be heard by tennis authorities? Empty stands, limited enthusiasm: the current format does not work. An evidence. The ITF is solely managing the organization of the competition this year, following the termination of a contract signed for 25 years with the company Kosmos. The results of the elections to the international federation on September 24 in Cancun, Mexico, could influence the evolution of the format in the years to come.
