The first year of the “new Fed Cup”, renamed the Billie Jean King Cup, confirmed the concerns of many opponents. In an effort to expand the number of participating countries, make more money and bring traditional tennis competitions closer to new spectators, the reformers destroyed almost all magic. Let’s hope not forever.
It was a rather sad spectacle. During the whole week in the O2 arena in Prague, only domestic players and their rivals from the basic group, the Germans and the Swiss, could enjoy a decent atmosphere.
However, even this competition was far from what happened in the domestic matches of Czech tennis players in the past, whether it was hosted by Prague, Ostrava or Brno.
Even Thursday’s golden nail, a direct duel to advance to the semifinals between the Czech Republic and Switzerland, was watched by a half-empty hall. The capacity was reduced to 12,000 people due to coronavirus measures, but even that was only about two-thirds full.
Friday’s semifinal fights were played without the participation of the Czech team in a chamber, undignified environment, and even the final between the Russians and the Swiss, of course, did not bring anything electrifying.
“I’ve always been against this format, but of course we can’t complain because we played at home. It was a holiday for me and I believe that for girls as well, ”was the embarrassing evaluation from the Czech captain Petr Pála.
Prague was praised for organizing the event in an accelerated regime, when it took over the organization in the summer instead of the place originally intended for Budapest. The April deadline changed to November and Prague was a clear choice.
The ITF management relied on the event, for which the Czech government released 65 million crowns from the budget reserve, to get a dignified backdrop thanks to the traditionally excellent and enthusiastic Czech supporters. But that did not happen.
Billie Jean King Cup is simply not a Fed Cup, a weekday is not a weekend. The matches ended around midnight, which was displeased even by the tennis players themselves. Tickets were too expensive for many fans, especially in relation to the severely chopped cast.
After the shower of apologies, only five players from the world’s twenty came to the metropolis.
In this light, ITF President David Haggerty’s assessment that we have witnessed a “fantastic tennis week” is somewhat bold or out of touch with reality.
The Fed Cup received a big blow with a new guise. Just like before, the men’s Davis Cup, whose first year under the swelled bag of the Kosmos investment group football player Gerard Piqué was only saved by the fact that the domestic lead in superstars Rafael Nadal triumphed in Madrid two years ago.
If the Czechs played in the finals on Saturday in Prague, it would certainly improve the overall picture. But you can’t rely on it.
The pursuit of innovation has seemed strange and self-serving here from the beginning. The old format of both the Davis Cup and the Fed Cup was ingenious with its simple system, each duel brought a dignified fan backdrop. Every national union has come up with its own, especially in non-grand slam countries, it has always been the top event of the year.
“It’s always been about the domestic audience. Whether it was matches in Serbia or Argentina, whenever I remember it, I have goosebumps. It was a unique atmosphere. And that’s why we played the team competition,” he hit the nail on the head. Radek Stepanek. Even before the start, it was clear to him that “a few people” would come to “non-Czech” matches.
“It was the same in the final of the new Davis Cup in Madrid. Yes, it’s great for the home team. A unique opportunity for Czech girls, but probably the last for many years. Instead, they could play at home three times a year, “said the two-time Davis Cup winner.
The way back, of course, still exists. But the most influential stars must protest steadily. In words, but perhaps also by boycott. Ideally as authentic as the German Alexander Zverev persistently holds. While the dissenting responses of other stars time and high rewards have sharpened the edges, the opinion of the third player in the world remains rock solid.
“The format has to change and I stick to it. I’m someone who keeps my word. I want to win the Davis Cup, but I want to win the real Davis Cup, “he said a few weeks ago.
With all due respect, the quality of such an event is defined by other things than the legendary legend Billie Jean King. The lost emotions that made millions of fans around the world loved the team competition are simply irreplaceable.
.
