Davis Cup Semifinals and world group playoffs

[klacr]

I seem to be in the minority that still cares about Davis Cup. But this past weekend was great. Czech republic vs Argentina was over after the first three matches. Berdych (it's his birthday today, September 17th) and Stepanek took care of business. But the Serbia vs. Canada tie was great tennis. Came down to that fifth and deciding rubber. All 5 matches were great and certainly had their drama. And Djokovic, who just 4 days earlier lost in the finals of the US Open, suited up and played 2 matches for his country.

Also important to note was that while the semifinals were happening, it was also the final round of the world group playoffs. Winners would move their teams into the top 16 world group for next year.

I know it may not seem important to us, but it must still mean something to the players. Nadal played, as did Andy Murray. Wawrinka was also involved in a tie vs. Ecuador. It's nice to see these top players participate given the scheduling less than a week after the us open concludes.


Does the Davis Cup format need to be tweaked? probably. Will it ever be? Who knows. Let's just enjoy the great tennis, team format and national pride.

Kyle LaCroix USPTA
Boca Raton

[vrc10s]

Davis Cup

I watched the Serbia vs Canada doubles match and it was very interesting. I love all the cheering, singing and flag waving of the fans.

[DougEng]

Davis Cup tweaking

I seem to be in the minority that still cares about Davis Cup. But this past weekend was great. Czech republic vs Argentina was over after the first three matches. Berdych (it's his birthday today, September 17th) and Stepanek took care of business. But the Serbia vs. Canada tie was great tennis. Came down to that fifth and deciding rubber. All 5 matches were great and certainly had their drama. And Djokovic, who just 4 days earlier lost in the finals of the US Open, suited up and played 2 matches for his country.

Also important to note was that while the semifinals were happening, it was also the final round of the world group playoffs. Winners would move their teams into the top 16 world group for next year.

I know it may not seem important to us, but it must still mean something to the players. Nadal played, as did Andy Murray. Wawrinka was also involved in a tie vs. Ecuador. It's nice to see these top players participate given the scheduling less than a week after the us open concludes.


Does the Davis Cup format need to be tweaked? probably. Will it ever be? Who knows. Let's just enjoy the great tennis, team format and national pride.

Kyle LaCroix USPTA
Boca Raton

One of the great tennis questions, Kyle! I think so and so do many players.
If I could re-do it:

Maybe an end of the year team championships...like in early November for 2 weeks? Lower group stages go over a week (e.g, S. America) and top World Group has 32 (or 16) teams compete in a shortened format (best of 3 sets)...e.g, Rd of 32 Mon/Tues/Wed Rd of 16 Thurs/Fri/Sat, QF Sun/Mon/Tues, SF Wed/Thurs, F Sat/Sun. Each round has Day 1: Singles, Day 2: Doubles, Reverse Singles.
This type of format has been vaguely suggested by others.

Or play RR groups like World Cup for 3 rounds in the first 7-8 days and then winners of the 4 or 8 groups advance to elimination round. Like World Cup soccer.