MÁLAGA – He is the world’s number one tennis player, but also a union activist. Novak Djokovic, leader of the PTPA (Professional Tennis Player Association) called for the Davis Cup competition system to mutate to “a mix of the format that was there before and what there is now”.
It’s not good for a patriot like Djokovic to play for Serbia outside of the country for so long. “I would like my team have the chance to play in Serbia and give our people a chance to see us, especially young people who want to be professional players. I think the ITF has to ask us and talk to the players,” said the 2010 team competition champion.
Another criticism: that the finals are being held for the fourth consecutive time in Spain. “It’s too much for the same country to organize the finals five years in a row, they should rotate”.
Djokovic and Co. take on Great Britain
Tonight, Djokovic and Co. face Great Britain for a place in the semi-finals. “It’s one of the best tennis federations out there, with a lot of success … their doubles is the best, plus (Cameron) Norrie and (Jack) Draper, two left-handers. It was difficult to find a left-handed sparring partner like Norrie to practice with. They have a lot to choose from and we don’t have any specialists, but we rely on the singles.
When he takes the court, the winner of 24 Grand Slams will fulfill one of his goals for 2024: to qualify for the Olympic Games in Paris to try to win the gold medal, the only major title missing in his successful career.
The ITF requires presence in two Davis Cup ties before the Olympic Games. But Djokovic assured that he is there to win the title for his country. “Of course I’m here to win. I’m looking forward to it, I’ve been playing good tennis. I am grateful to be here once again, because the Davis Cup has always been the most important tennis team competition,” added the Serb in a press room of the Palacio de los Deportes Martin Carpena packed by national and international media.
