Novak Djokovic is set to travel to Madrid later this year to play in the newly revamped Davis Cup finals following months of uncertainty.
For the first time in the tournaments 119-year history, the finals will feature 18 teams playing over a week. The transformation was given the go ahead at the ITF AGM meeting last year amid a divide in the sport about the move. Some critics have branded the move as too extreme. Voicing anger at the decision to remove away home and away finals. The main investor in the revamp is Kosmos, who has pledged to invest $3 billion over the next 25 years. Kosmos was founded by Barcelona F.C player Gerard Pique.
News of Djokovic’s upcoming appearance has been confirmed by the captain of the Serbian Davis Cup team, Nenad Zimonjic. In a statement published on Monday before the start of the US Open, Zimonjic said the two have held discussions.
“Yes, we have fantastic news, Novak will participate in the final tournament in Madrid. I had the opportunity to speak with him in New York, the day before the start of the final grand slam competition in the 2019 season at the US Open.” Zimonjic said in a statement published on the website of the Serbian Tennis Association.
“Novak confirmed that he would join the team in Madrid, it will be a huge boost for us and we are all looking forward to participating in this competition, which will also be the first tournament to be played in this new format.”
There has been doubts over Djokovic’s participation due to the close proximity of the event to the ATP Finals, which takes place a week prior. The 16-time grand slam champion had also previously indicated that he would prefer to play in the new ATP World Team Cup, which launches in January, over the Davis Cup. The new event offers both ranking points and prize money.
“I just feel like the date of the Davis Cup is really bad, especially for the top players. Between the two, I will prioritize the World Team Cup because that’s a competition of ATP.” Djokovic said last year.
Despite his past reservations, the head of the Serbian team believes the schedule will not be a factor for Djokovic despite the short turnaround. Should he reach the final of the season ending championships, Djokovic will play in London on a Sunday and then fly to Madrid to get ready for his country’s first tie on the following Wednesday against Japan.
“I believe the tournament in London will end on Sunday when the (ATP) finals are played. He will join the team in Madrid immediately after the final Masters in London.” Zimonjic outlined.
“The rest of the team and our entire national team will arrive a little earlier, starting Thursday 14th (November). To adapt to the conditions of the game, as well as the high altitude of 667 meters and perfectly prepare for the matches that await us there.”
Djokovic will play Roberto Carballés Baena in the first round of the US Open. He was a member of the Serbian team that won their first and so far only Davis Cup title back in 2010.
