Sinner and Alcaraz lead calls for return to traditional Davis Cup format

TURIN: Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are among a growing group of top players urging the return of the Davis Cup to its classic home-and-away format, staged over two years — a proposal that has gained public support from ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi.

The traditional structure, featuring national ties hosted before passionate home crowds, was scrapped in 2019 by the International Tennis Federation (ITF). Since then, the tournament has shifted to a centralised format, with this year’s Final 8 in Bologna beginning just two days after the ATP Finals conclude in Turin.

Sinner, who is through to the semifinals at the ATP Finals and was part of Italy’s back-to-back Davis Cup triumphs, opted out of selection this year to focus on preparing for his Australian Open title defence. Reflecting on his absence — and the format debate — the world No. 1 expressed his desire to experience the competition as it once was.

“I never unfortunately played the Davis Cup, the real Davis Cup, where it’s away, playing in Argentina or in Brazil with the whole stadium, not against you, but for the other team,” Sinner said after defeating Ben Shelton on Friday.

With momentum building among players and support emerging from the ATP leadership, pressure is mounting on the ITF to revisit the structure of one of tennis’s most historic competitions.