ATP Tour

Pique confident of luring Nadal, Djokovic to revamped Davis Cup

2018-10-17 19:31

Madrid - Gerard Pique believes Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic will both play in the reformed Davis Cup next year and has said the "door remains open" to Roger Federer.

Pique was speaking on Wednesday in Madrid, where the tournament finals will be contested over a week in November 2019, as part of a host of controversial changes to the format of the 118-year-old competition.

The new Davis Cup carries a number of complications, not least because it is set to lock horns with the ATP's World Team Cup, another inaugural team event expected to take place just a few weeks later in Australia.

November is also traditionally the month when top players begin their time off at the end of a congested 10-month season.

For the tournament to be a success, and convince supporters to travel, it will likely need the grandees of the men's game -- Nadal, Djokovic and Federer -- to participate.

Barcelona defender Pique is the president and founder of Kosmos, the company promoting the new Davis Cup competition.

"I have spoken with all those players," Pique said on Wednesday. "With Rafa it is very positive, if he does not have an injury he will be there.

"On Novak, if he has to choose between the two he says he will play the ATP tournament. I took the opportunity to talk to him because he represents the players and the meeting was very positive. I am confident we can reach an agreement."

Federer is the least likely of the trio to play given the now 37-year-old has long been very selective in the tournaments he enters.

The Swiss prioritises the four Grand Slam events and has not played in the Davis Cup since 2015.

Pique added: "Federer is at a point in his career in which he prioritises the most important tournaments. I have talked with his people and I have not closed any doors."

NEXT ON SPORT24X

What To Read Next

 

Read News24’s Comments Policy

Vote

Which is your favourite Grand Slam of the year?

Men
Women
Love 2 Meet
Sport24 on Twitter

Follow Sport24 news on Twitter

Featured

The 2018/19 Absa Premiership season is in full swing. Will Mamelodi Sundowns retain their title? Or can one of Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, Wits, SuperSport United - or another team perhaps - snatch glory from the Brazilians? Be sure to visit Sport24 for all the latest news!

Latest blogs
 

Twitter Follow Sport24 on Twitter

Facebook "Like" Sport24's Facebook page

WIN Enter and win with Sport24!

BlackBerry Stay in the loop on your BlackBerry

RSS Feeds Sport news delivered really simply.

 
There are new stories on the homepage. Click here to see them.