German tennis greats Boris Becker and Michael Stich have joined the critics on radical changes for the Davis Cup team event.
"Lost for words," Becker tweeted in the wake of Thursday's decision by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) to change it into an annual season-ending finals event in one venue instead of the century-old knock-out round format through the year with home and away ties.
Investment company Kosmos, founded by Barcelona footballer Gerard Pique, who has promised $US3 billion ($A4.1 billion) to the ITF for 25 years, is behind the plans, in which a tie will have three instead of five rubbers and matches are played best of three sets instead of five.
A second tweet showed photos of the two-time Davis Cup winner Becker during finals and in his role as team captain, with the caption "Once upon a time."
Stich, who led Germany to the so far last title in 1993, said: "I is sad that a group of officials bury the tradition of the Davis Cup.
"The Davis Cup in its form we all know will never happen again, and 118 years are sacrificed for the greed of people who have no respect for history and tradition."
The German tennis federation, like those of Britain, Australia and other countries, had voted against the changes at the ITF assembly in Florida.
Other players also voiced their strong dissent, including former Australian great Lleyton Hewitt who has also lifted the trophy.
"Sometimes it's more than a game. More than money. Most of my biggest highs and toughest loses came in 5 set epic Davis Cup matches in front of screaming home or away fans," Hewitt tweeted.
"For the ITF to take that away from the next generation of future stars is a disgrace."
French player Lucas Pouille told the ITF "you guys are a shame for tennis."
Share
