Davis Cup Director Admits the Event is Open to Changes Following Alexander Zverev’s Criticism

Alexander Zverev recently revealed that the Davis Cup Finals was supposed to be played on a neutral venue rather than in Bologna, Italy.

Davis Cup Director Admits the Event is Open to Changes Following Alexander Zverev’s Criticism

Alexander Zverev (via X/Jose Morgado)

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The Davis Cup is currently serving up some thrilling action in Bologna, which is going to conclude the tennis year. But the actions are yet to create the kind of headlines the tournament will love as big stars and negative comments have circled around it. The tournament’s director, Feliciano Lopez, has revealed that the event is open to changes, particularly its format.

Alexander Zverev is the only top 10 player at the Davis Cup, which has made it not get the kind of attention it needs from fans and the media. Compared to last year, when Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner featured in it, with Rafael Nadal retiring after Spain crashed out in the quarter-finals after losing to the Netherlands.

Sinner decided not to compete at the tournament after leading Italy to victory in the last two Davis Cup Finals, and he was heavily criticized for that. On the other hand, Alcaraz was forced to pull out of Spain’s team due to injury, while World No.9 Lorenzo Musetti withdrew due to injury and family reasons.

Zverev, who is the only top 10 player at the tournament helped Germany earn a place in the semi-finals. He won the second match of the best-of-three clash against Argentina, giving Germany a lifeline before they completed the comeback in the doubles clash. But the 28-year-old has really been critical of the Davis Cup format.

On two separate occasions, Zverev has criticized the tournament organizers for not choosing a neutral stadium for the tournament, giving Italy an advantage as the crowd will back them in Bologna. Lopez responded to criticism during a press conference, stating that the event organizers are open to suggestions:

What I said before, and I maintain, is that we are happy with what we have now. I think it’s worth betting on this format for these three years, but we are open to continuing to collaborate with everyone to find, if there is one, something better. We are open to keep listening to people, especially to all the parties involved in the world of tennis, to try, if possible, to improve. It doesn’t mean it has to be played every two years.

On Friday (November 21), Italy triumphed over Belgium in the Davis Cup. The home crowd backed the Italian team in the match, particularly in the second match in which Flavio Cobolli had to survive seven match points in a nerve-shredding 6-3, 6(5)-7, 7-6(15) victory against Zizou Bergs.

Boris Becker believes Alexander Zverev can win Grand Slams if he makes changes in his game

Boris Becker and Alexander Zverev’s relationship has been strained after a back-and-forth in recent weeks. The tennis legend revealed recently that the reason why the 28-year-old struggles on the court is due to his mentality. That didn’t go well with the World No.3 as he replied that Becker was only seeking popularity by criticizing him.

Boris Becker, Alexander Zverev
Boris Becker, Alexander Zverev (Image via X/laroma24.it, Wimbledon)

However, Becker reiterated that Zverev’s mental approach to critical matches has been his major problem on tour this season. In the latest episode of the Becker-Petkovic podcast, the 58-year-old revealed that he’s confident Zverev can win a Grand Slam if he makes a few tweaks in his game on the court:

I want Sascha to win Grand Slams. To become the number one in the world. This year, February, March, he had the chance… I’m still convinced that he can win a Grand Slam if he changes one or two little things.

Zverev is one of the most talented players on tour yet to win a Grand Slam. The former World No.2 has struggled in the shadows of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner for the past two years. His last major tournament final was at the Australian Open in January, where he faced Sinner but fell to the Italian star in straight sets.

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