Davis Cup’s Future in Question as Players Demand Changes

Flavio Cobolli propelled Italy into its third consecutive Davis Cup final with a thrilling victory over Belgium’s Zizou Bergs in Bologna, Italy. The match, marked by a tense 17-15 third-set tiebreak, captivated over 10,000 spectators and showcased the tournament’s allure. Yet, as excitement builds for the final against Spain, leading players are raising significant concerns about the future of the Davis Cup, the sport’s premier team competition.

The Davis Cup, often referred to as the “World Cup of Tennis,” is facing scrutiny regarding its frequency and format. Top-ranked players, including Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Alexander Zverev, have expressed the belief that reducing the tournament’s frequency could enhance its stature and excitement. Alcaraz, who had to withdraw due to a hamstring injury, stated, “I think playing every year is not as good as it might be if you’re playing every two or three years.”

Sinner, who led Italy to victory in the past two years, echoed this sentiment, arguing that a less frequent Davis Cup could create a more unique and compelling atmosphere. Zverev went further, suggesting that the current finals format, which features eight teams at a single venue, lacks the authenticity of the traditional home-and-away ties. “I never played the real Davis Cup,” he remarked during a press conference, highlighting a desire for a return to the tournament’s roots.

The Italian Tennis Federation has secured the hosting rights for the finals from 2025 to 2027, leveraging its success in men’s tennis. Yet, many believe that the vibrancy of the competition is hindered by its annual schedule.

Calls for Reform and the Future of the Davis Cup

The current structure of the Davis Cup has evolved significantly over the years. In 2019, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) signed a 25-year contract with Kosmos, a sports and media company founded by former footballer Gerard Piqué, which promised a $3 billion investment. This led to the introduction of a week-long finals format. However, after a series of disappointing editions marred by logistical issues, the partnership ended in January 2023, with Piqué filing a lawsuit that was dismissed in March 2025.

Many players, including legends like Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, have critiqued the current format since its inception. The consensus among top players is that the annual nature of the event diminishes its prestige. As Pete Sampras noted in his 2008 autobiography, the comparison with golf’s Ryder Cup, held every two years, underscores the challenges faced by the Davis Cup in terms of exposure and public interest.

Recent editions have also faced challenges with crowd attendance and player engagement. Qualifying rounds held in neutral venues between 2022 and 2024 diluted the atmosphere, evidenced by a sparse crowd during a recent tie between Germany and the U.S. in China. The ITF is now considering a return to home-and-away qualifiers, which could help restore some of the traditional excitement and fan engagement associated with the tournament.

Acknowledging Player Perspectives

Ross Hutchins, the ITF’s chief executive, has emphasized his willingness to listen to player feedback. Appointed in August 2023, Hutchins understands the player experience, having been a professional player himself. He noted that “850 players are part of this competition,” and he values their opinions. Hutchins expressed a desire to make the Davis Cup “the biggest team competition across our sport,” indicating his openness to necessary adjustments.

The ongoing debate includes not just the frequency of the tournament but also its timing within the tennis calendar. Some suggest moving the finals to April, following the BNP Paribas Open and Miami Open, to avoid the end-of-season fatigue. Others advocate for a more integrated approach, potentially combining the Davis Cup with the Billie Jean King Cup, the women’s equivalent, to enhance visibility and excitement.

As Italy prepares to face Spain in the final, the atmosphere is electric, yet the underlying question remains: will reducing the frequency of the Davis Cup make it more meaningful? The outcome of this debate could shape the future of team tennis and influence how fans and players engage with this storied competition.