Help
4/10/08 11:43 AM | Mattias Yrgård
The chance to advance may bypass Australia's former No. 1, whose 31-times champion nation is working for promotion in 2009 with a weekend Asia-Oceania zonal tie in Townsville against Thailand.
The International Tennis Federation points scheme begins next year at the top level featuring 16 teams.
“For the first time in history, Davis Cup players will receive well-deserved ranking points for their performance in the competition,” said ITF president Francesco Ricci Bitti.
Players will also be eligible for bonus points, but dead rubbers - when a tie is already decided - do not attract bonus points.
“Everyone plays Davis Cup to play for their country and to play something unique in a team atmosphere. It's not about individual success,” said Hewitt, who played on 1999 and 2003 championship teams..
“I don't think it's the best thing (to award rankings points).”
“Rankings are there for individual success and, obviously if you come from a smaller nation and you're not able to get them into the World Group at some stage, then it's probably not the fairest thing to have points in Davis Cup.”
Other players in the same boat as Hewit include:
Marcos Baghdatis (Cyprus), Fernando Gonzalez (Chile) and Andy Murray (Britain).
Tell a friend »
I agree with Hewitt. Giving individual ranking points stinks. I realize that they're trying to attract the top players (i.e. Federer) to play, but I think they're detracting from the spirit of the competition.
Couldn't agree more.
Did you know that... Fernando Verdasco is a huge fan of football club Real Madrid.
RickyDimon, May 17, 2008 1:12 AM
sisterofnight12, May 16, 2008 11:10 PM
sheila, May 16, 2008 8:00 PM
ricfol, May 16, 2008 6:08 PM
RickyDimon, May 16, 2008 6:55 AM
sisterofnight12, May 14, 2008 7:53 AM
Gameplay, Apr 2, 2008 9:56 AM
Gameplay, Apr 2, 2008 9:41 AM
lukabrajic, Mar 5, 2008 7:07 PM
