Djoko calls for football-style Davis Cup

Djokovic inspired Serbia to its only Davis Cup triumph in 2010 but has, in common with many other top players, carefully selected which ties he will honour in a packed tour schedule.

The 29-year-old is due to play in the quarter-final against Andy Murray’s Great Britain in Belgrade from July 15-17 in the week after Wimbledon. “I definitely stand for a change of format of the Davis Cup,” said 12-time Grand Slam title winner Djokovic on Wednesday. “The format, as it is, doesn’t work anymore.” 

Djokovic wants the International Tennis Federation to rethink the schedule. He pointed to the success of football where the World Cup and European championships are organised in group stages and played at one specific time of the year. “Create one event in one year or two years that would be held over two weeks,” suggested the Serb. 

“Make four groups, winners of all groups go to playoffs. Create it really attractive, not just for us tennis players, but for fans, for media, for everybody, for sponsors.” Djokovic played in this year’s first round win over Kazakhstan, taking part in three of the five rubbers over the weekend.