Why the Davis Cup MUST return to the 'real' format

There were plenty of empty seats during Spain's quarter-final tie against Czechia in Bologna. (Photo: The First Serve)

As the Italians conquered Austria, Belgium and Spain without dropping a match en route to their third successive Davis Cup title, the BolognaFiere stadium was rocking thanks to a football-like atmosphere that can only be replicated by a select handful of nations.

But what did we actually expect? The Finals were held in Bologna at a 10,000-seat arena. Fans of the Azzurri were bound to race through the gates and will on their country to what proved to be a three-peat.

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Bologna locals are guaranteed at least two more years of the Davis Cup Finals in their own backyard, as the deal expires in 2027.

And that's where the first problem lies.

Don't get me wrong, the noise inside Centre Court was truly magical when Italy took part. It showcased a unique spectacle that reminded everyone of what the Davis Cup is all about.

In saying that, is it right that a nation can simply walk into the Davis Cup Finals for three straight years without grinding it out in qualifying like their rivals? Although there is no issue with the host nation gaining automatic entry, the event's location should be rotated if this current format is to remain.

The first tie between France and Belgium felt soulless and lifeless as I sat in the stands and observed the lack of energy. Sadly, it's what the Davis Cup has become without the hosts involved.

To be fair, the Czechia fans in particular created a brilliant atmosphere during their defeat to Spain in the quarters, but you couldn't help but look around and notice the empty seats.

Would that happen if it were a home tie for either country?

World No.2 Jannik Sinner contributed greatly towards Italy's past two Davis Cup crowns in the Spanish province of Málaga, but skipped this year's edition in favour of prioritising his body for January's Australian Open.

Asked in a press conference during last week's Nitto ATP Finals in Turin, the 24-year-old shared his honest opinion.

"If you play in Bologna, and there is the matchup Australia against the USA, of course there are going to be spectators," said Sinner. "I'm not saying the contrary. But at the same time, why not [make] it a real Davis Cup competition?

"I never unfortunately played the Davis Cup, the real Davis Cup, where it's away, playing in Argentina or in Brazil, where you have the whole stadium not against you but for the other team. I think this is Davis Cup, you know?"

Referring to the competition's past as the "real" Davis Cup is quite the statement. Yet he has a point, because the event was arguably at its peak when home-and-away ties were the norm.

As for Australia, well, it's incredibly difficult to see how they can host the Davis Cup Finals in this current format, given that the Australian summer of tennis begins in January. It just doesn't make any sense for players to travel back and forth in the space of six weeks.

"It's important because we've been told too many lies over time, and when it became the 'Pique Cup' as well, they sold the soul, and we want to try and get back to where it was meaningful," Lleyton Hewitt said in September before Australia's qualifying tie against Belgium. "The two biggest things for Davis Cup was home-and-away ties, which was a stand-out point of difference to anything else we do.

"The pinnacle was the Grand Slams and best-of-five-set tennis, and that's what Davis Cup was. If you look back over the years at any stage of the greatest Davis Cup matches, they are all massive five-set epics that people talk about."

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Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz suggested that the Davis Cup should be played every two years, which in turn would provide a much-needed break every second season in the calendar.

At the end of the day, there needs to be a level playing field when it comes to 'the World Cup of tennis'.

Previously, the Spanish city of Málaga hosted the Finals from 2022-2024, with Spain failing to reach the final on all three occasions. And despite the crowds filling up for those matches without the hosts, it wasn't the same vibe.

The ITF got away with one regarding Italy going all the way on home soil, because it made the federation look like they made the right decision.

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