Davis Cup and Fed Cup. The two most diverse, elite and historic international team events in the world are arguably two of the most disappointing.
The concept of both competitions has been viciously undermined because of poor annual scheduling and in effect, its inability to attract the best players from each country to participate.
Both events are a key part of tennis history with unforgettable matches such as Anastasia Myskina and Vera Zvonareva’s decisive doubles match win to earn Russia’s first Fed Cup title in 2004 or even as early as Harry Hopman’s success when leading Australia to it’s 16th Davis Cup victory in over twenty attempts in 1967. These notable moments prove both event’s unlimited potential to gain greater international popularity in effect becoming more fan friendly.
It has only been recently evident that top players such as world number one Rafael Nadal’s focus remains on accruing the most grand slam titles to achieve a spot as one of the all time greats in tennis history. This predicament has clearly stunted the growth and potential of the competition, because there is nothing better than the best players in the world competing out of pride and passion with the support of nationalistic fans and countrymen.
Davis Cup and Fed Cup represent a major obstacle to their self-centered goals because of the event’s poor scheduling throughout the year. The dates directly conflict with the players’ calendars planned at the beginning of the year, if not prior to the start. The attitude of Rafael Nadal and many other top players (male and female) provides a poor example for junior tennis players and make the sport less fan-friendly while challenging the credibility of the event.
Even though the Fed and Davis Cups are not as lucrative as other events, nor do they involve any ranking points for individuals, it would be nice to see more of the top players committed to playing and representing their countries.
To deal with this problem and to help the game gain more popularity, it would be in the best interest of the fans and players to combine the three weekends in which the competition is spread over throughout the year into one large event taking place a couple of weeks following the U.S. Open.
It should also be held every two years, giving ample time for preparation, directly solving the scheduling conflicts of the top athletes along with keeping the normal rest month in December. There is no doubt that it would give tennis fans an opportunity to support their countries and provide substantial tennis competition to watch even after the Grand Slam calendar season is complete making it a more appealing event to support.
Devon Jerome is a competitive junior tennis player who aspires to play professionally. Devon is also Chief Editor and Founder of Zenithe Junior Tennis Magazine (www.zenithejrtennis.com) a nationally and internationally read online junior tennis publication. Additionally as a full-time high school student and classical cellist, Devon is a published freelance tennis journalist.
Very interesting idea, Devon. Fed Cup could potentially be more popular if they used a similar approach. This reminds me a lot of the World Cup’s method which has proven successful.
Thanks for the great guest article!
I find it interesting that you mention Rafael Nadal but not Roger Federer, nor the fact that they have both made first round ties a priority this season. The ITF agrees that all countries congregating in one place for a round of Davis/Fed Cup ties would be easier to schedule, but the individual tennis organisations prefer home ties because of the local interest and income they generate.
I’m in favour of moving Davis and Fed Cup to one contiguous block after the US Open, but not of making them biennial events.
When I started following tennis in 1992, Fed Cup was held in one place, one week between Wimbledon and the US Open, as a 32-country knockout-draw.
Davis Cup and Fed Cup should be as important as the Grand Slams because it is the one time you represent your country instead of just your self. It might be a good idea to offer an incentive like ranking points for players who are willing to play. Also, I agree something has to be done with the scheduling. The pros are great, but they are not superhuman. I am very passionate about tennis,but even I have to face reality.