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Future for Davis Cup now under threat

Spain won last year's Davis Cup, but the future of the competition is now under severe threat.
Spain won last year's Davis Cup, but the future of the competition is now under severe threat.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • The 110-year history of the Davis Cup is under threat because of new proposals
  • The sport's leading players have proposed a plan to replace the competition with a "World Cup"
  • The proposed "World Cup" would be a biennial event over 10 days, involving the top 32 countries

(CNN) -- The 110-year history of the Davis Cup is under threat after leading players confirmed they have proposed a plan to replace one of sport's oldest competitions with a "World Cup."

The idea has come from the ATP Player Council who are looking at ways to make the season less rigorous for players.

The proposed "World Cup" would be a biennial event over 10 days, involving the top 32 countries.

Novak Djokovic, the Serb who is on the ATP Player Council along with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, told reporters: "We proposed it... but it's all fresh and it's all ideas.

"We didn't decide to put anything on an official term because we have to consider other sides as well. The main point is that we are trying to make the sport improve and get better.

"The players are the ones who are making the show and their opinions have to be greatly considered."

Djokovic said talks between players during this month's Australian Open would be "crucial."

I am a great fan of the Davis Cup but if a decision was taken to drop it, or something else could change on the calendar, then a World Cup is a fascinating idea.
--Andy Murray

The International Tennis Federation, the organization which runs the Davis Cup, refused to comment.

British number one Andy Murray told The Times newspaper: "I am a great fan of the Davis Cup but if a decision was taken to drop it, or something else could change on the calendar, then a World Cup is a fascinating idea."

Meanwhile, Croatian Ivan Ljubicic said he no longer wants to play in the Davis Cup. He told reporters: "The top guys are not able to play all the matches that they would love to play for their nation.

"The format is not suited for the players at the moment. I'm not going to play Davis Cup any more."