ATP Cup conclusion by Alex Antonitsch: "ATP and ITF must come together"
The ATP Cup delivered thrilling matches when it was first held at the start of the 2020 season. Alexander Antonitsch watched the tournament closely and, in an interview with tennisnet, draws a conclusion about the new team competition.
by Lukas Zahrer
last edit: Jan 15, 2020, 06:47 pm
Mr. Antonitsch, you followed the ATP Cup closely as an expert at Servus TV . What is your conclusion?
Alexander Antonitsch : The atmosphere at the ATP Cup was great, the audience numbers prove the event right. In terms of sport, there was great tennis over long distances. The format with duels of the respective number two and number one works excellently. It's also great that legends like Henman, Hewitt, Safin, Becker or Muster are sitting on the supervisor's bench. In my opinion, success has a very specific reason.
Tell him to us.
Antonitsch : The big advantage is that Tennis Australia and the ATP act as organizers. The player council was always involved in the collection and implementation of ideas. The organizers responded to the requests. As a result, so many top stars agreed. They like that they get at least three games at competition level. The idea itself is not new.
Are you addressing the World Team Cup?
Antonitsch : There, too, the team was led by the respective number one, and even put together at that time. The problem back then was that the event was played the week before a Grand Slam.
What are the biggest criticisms of the ATP Cup?
Antonitsch : Of course, the date is not ideal for the tournament in Doha. But another 250 tournament would be needed at the same time. Not all players contested matches at the ATP Cup. Large nations like Spain or France could have put two teams together.
Alex Antonitsch on ATP Cup: Cooperation with Davis Cup required
What do you think of the bonus point system? It was very confusing.
Antonitsch : The system may be a bit complicated, but I think it's good. If it were up to me, we could also implement this in normal tournaments. It makes a difference whether I take a Djokovic or a local wildcard out of the tournament. I think the bonus points for the ATP Cup will remain in the future.
Criticism came mainly from the way of counting for the world rankings. ATP Cup participants get their own place in their ranking for the points earned there.
Antonitsch : I am convinced that many players have only now understood that there is an additional 19th tournament for the ranking. That belongs away. But you have to leave the church in the village. Djokovic and Nadal don't even get 18 results at the end of the year. It is a topic for the lower rankings, there the criticism is justified. I fully understand Reilly Opelka with his harsh criticism . This regulation could fall as early as next year.
There are three team competitions with the Davis Cup, Laver Cup and ATP Cup. Can the world tennis tolerate all three?
Antonitsch : I refuse to name the current Davis Cup format. He is dead, there is only home and away games. The problem remains the appointment. The format for the ATP Cup is too similar. There is also far too little time for the qualification meetings. Only in November did the Davis Cup associations receive the information that they should host an encounter in March. It is time for ATP and ITF to work together.
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How can the ATP Cup be improved?
Antonitsch : There must be a way that other nations can also qualify. I missed the Netherlands, the Czech Republic or Kazakhstan, for example. These are nations that regularly play big in the Davis Cup. Perhaps the tournament can be expanded to 32 teams, but then another venue is definitely needed. I understand that this could be difficult. But there would be another way.
How?
Antonitsch : In order to minimize the travel stress, a qualification could be carried out at regional level. As a result, this can only be carried out together with the Davis Cup. For example, instead of the finals in Madrid, regional events could take place where nations without top players could qualify for the ATP Cup. Then there are fewer fixed starting places for top nations, but more tickets that are awarded via a qualification. It is just one of many ideas to enmesh the Davis Cup with the ATP Cup. Once again: ITF and ATP have to come together - preferably with Tennis Australia - but definitely also get the players on board. It won't work without them.
What was the tennis fans' feedback about the ATP Cup?
Antonitsch : There was a survey among tennisnet users. In a direct comparison with the current Davis Cup, 90 percent of 1,800 votes went to the ATP Cup. A lot of feedback was also: 'Where can I vote for the old Davis Cup?'
Isn't it time to team up with women too?
Antonitsch : There are already talks between WTA and Tennis Australia to implement something for women. In Brisbane, it's not okay to let the top women play only on the outside courts. I wouldn't be surprised if a WTA Cup takes place next year. Then women would also have an ideal preparation for the first major, with a guaranteed number of matches.