Davis Cup: ITF needs to review 16-team rule, says Obradovic

Bogdan Obradovic is making do with his 'current situation', but doesn't seem too happy with it

Bangalore: Bogdan Obradovic is making do with his 'current situation', but doesn't seem too happy with it.


Bogdan Obradovic 

The Serbian captain, who led the team to Davis Cup title victory in 2010 and then to the final gig against Czech Republic last year, finds himself shepherding a young and inexperienced squad for World Group survival. The World Group play-off tie here will decide if India step into the elite 16-team list or former champions Serbia slip out of it.

"Sixteen teams is not enough," said the 48-year-old Obradovic. "I think ITF needs to change that rule. Because one year we are playing the final, and the way the Davis Cup is structured, when you lose the first round in the next year you are made to play to stay in the World Group.

Bouncing off ideas
"Patrick Rafter (former US Open champion and current captain of the Australian Davis Cup team) and I have exchanged a few mails about how it should be re-structured. They could have it in one city, over maybe two months, and make it like a World championship.

"But people from the ITF don't want to do it because they are still getting the money from the tournament."

Far from ideal
It is a far from ideal situation for Serbia: playing away from home in a country, conditions and culture far different from theirs and without the services of their top three players : Novak Djokovic, Janko Tipsarevic and Viktor Troicki.

Even though it has given India a window of opportunity, Obradovic is not letting doubts seep into the cracks. "For sure this is one of the best teams in the world," said Obradovic."

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!