Alexander Zverev has criticised Gerard Pique’s Davis Cup revival attempt after the International Tennis Federation (ITF) ended their deal with the Kosmos group.
The ITF had a $3 billion deal in place with Kosmos Group, owned by former professional footballer Pique, that was due to last for 25 years. But the ITF ended their agreement with the company after just five years and Zverev believes the Davis Cup's heritage and prestige will be better off.
“You saw that you can't buy history with money. Sport lives from emotions and the Davis Cup was always the competition where you experienced the biggest emotions and the best atmosphere.”
Under Pique's Kosmos Group, the Davis Cup format changed and the tournament final was played at a neutral venue. The home and away ties from the quarter-finals were also replaced with matches at neutral locations.
In addition, matches were reduced from the best-of-five structure to best-of-three. The tournament will remain as it was under the Kosmos Group for this season and the ITF will introduce a new design from next season, which Zverev argues will work better.
"You could see that the new format doesn't work. I believe you need home and away ties.”
The ITF has not shared its reasons for ending the partnership with Kosmos Group 20 years earlier than expected and the federation confirmed that it would take control of the 2023 Davis Cup's organisation.
“The ITF has ensured financial contingencies are in place and as the custodian of the competition we will operate the 2023 Qualifiers and Finals as scheduled, with the Final 8 taking place in Malaga, Spain, this November.”
19-time ATP tour winner Zverev will captain the German team in the Davis Cup and his side will face Switzerland on Saturday, February 3 and 4, 2023.
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