Krajicek questions Laver Cup popularity after Roger Federer retirement
The former world no. 4 and the Rotterdam Open Tournament Director Richard Krajicek is not sure that the Laver Cup will still attract many fans once Roger Federer retires. The first two years of the tournament were very successful with Prague first in 2017 and then Chicago in 2018 drawing packed crowds. In order to keep the event in the spotlight, Federer is likely to play it even once he retires. 'Laver Cup is an exhibition and it does not appear on ITF or ATP Calendar. It's funny for the crowd, but the question is how they will do if Federer, one of the founders, stop,' said Krajicek on Telesport. 'But there is a lot excitement for team tennis events and the time will tell us what tournaments will survive. The World Team Cup will take place in Australia at the beginning of the year. For players, that's a perfect preparation for the Australian Open. They want to play several matches in that country and that new format offers this chance.'
Asked about the new Davis Cup format, Krajicek added: 'I did not watch the last final of the old format with a too big nostalgia. But Davis Cup matches are special this way (the older format played until 2018) and it will disappear. For most of players, the change seems good. They listened at them and they will spend less time in Davis Cup. I still do not know what to think about the new format. I am very curious about that final week with 18 teams. So you have to wait and see.'
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from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2Qtn905
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