Tennis is a sport that has been left behind in some regards by rivals like Football, Basketball and Formula One.
Commercially, there have been some real missteps made by the big decision-makers where the latter of that aforementioned trio has soared.
The attempt to bring in a new wave of fans with a Netflix series suitably failed, with Break Point canned after just two seasons, and since then it seems that their only alternative has been to bend to the will of the biggest bidder.
It seems that the same could be set to occur now, should this latest report be anything to go by.
ITF considering controversial Davis Cup change
As flagged by The Times, in timely manner given how the latest round of Davis Cup fixtures have just been played, a fresh change could be in the offing that revolutionises the competition.
However, it might be once again without the players in mind, as the finals might be set to move from Spain, where they have been held since 2022, to China.
The report reads: ‘The packed tennis season could end with a long and controversial trip to China for the world’s best male players after it emerged that Davis Cup organisers are negotiating a deal to move the finals from Spain in 2026.
‘The Times has learnt that the knockout stage of the international team competition is likely to move to the Far East in a lucrative contract estimated to be worth tens of millions of pounds to the International Tennis Federation (ITF). The city of Zhuhai is the frontrunner of several bids from around the world to host the so-called “Final 8”, although other southern Chinese cities such as Guangzhou and Shenzhen are also in contention.
‘This would represent a significant geographical shift for the competition. Since 2022, Malaga has hosted the finals, which follow the ATP Finals in Turin the week before. If a move to China is agreed, the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner could be asked to represent their countries in Asia only three to four days after playing in Europe.’
Another cash grab from tennis
It should come as no surprise that the ITF are considering this lucrative proposal without the thoughts of the players in mind, with money now seemingly directing so many sports.
Saudi Arabian investment has already started to breed controversy, in Golf particularly, but its influence can now be seen across football, boxing and tennis to name just a few.
The fact that this year’s WTA Finals will be held in Riyadh is a prime example of this.
Iga Swiatek has complained about the tennis schedule regularly, and Carlos Alcaraz even recently criticised the calendar for not allowing him much free time or to play the events he prefers.
This latest Davis Cup change will only add to this unrest, where a cash grab trumps all reason.
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