Rafael Nadal and Federer not playing Davis Cup often is normal - Pennetta
Speaking on Eurosport the 2015 US Open winner Flavia Pennetta commented on the new Davis Cup format. Her husband Fabio Fognini did not play the qualifying tie against India on grass in order to take a break after the Australian Open, but he will play the finals in November in Madrid providing he is healthy. Pennetta has mixed feelings. "I am in favour of changes but this change is too much. You lose a little the meaning of Davis Cup", the Italian said during the Australian Open. "It's nothing certain yet, they may play it after the US Open or after the ATP Finals. Many players will not compete, they do not see it as a improvement. They compete for Grand Slam titles, top ten, world No. 1 and Davis Cup. Those are the goals when you ask to a player about it."
On top players who often snubbed Davis Cup in the past years, Pennetta added: "It's normal that players like (Roger) Federer and (Rafael) Nadal do not play Davis Cup often. Once you won it multiple times and you are over 30 years old - okay, playing for your team in Davis Cup and Olympics is nice, these are unique emotions - but now I chose to play when I can, when my calendar allows me to do it, I put my body as a priority and then if I can play the Davis Cup in the mix, I do it. The problem is with younger players who do not consider Davis Cup and Fed Cup as important. Let's see, I may be wrong but that's my point of view as a player. I am intrigued by it."
On the Italian tennis, she concluded: "I was always asked why women were playing better than men, but it always depends on the several cycles of tennis. Men are doing well in the last years and we have a good Davis Cup team."
from Tennis World USA http://bit.ly/2Dxo5b4
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