Dusseldorf World Team Cup May Have a Format Change

Written by: Staff on 30th May 2012

Dusseldorf World Team Cup May Have a Format Change |

After more than three decades, the World Team Cup may be forced into a format change as its latest contract with the ATP ended with 35th edition, won by Serbia at the weekend 3-0 over the Czech Republic.

The event at Dusseldorf’s Rochusclub must now huddle with the ATP and sponsor Power Horse to determine what shape the future might take.

The eight-nation round-robin tournament which began in 1978 must face the financial reality imposed by the ATP, which reportedly wants a higher sanctioning fee for the right to continue calling the event at the fan-friendly venue in a wooded nature reserve zone of the city a “World” championship.

With Power Horse energy drink financing the tournament for a second straight year after the departure of German insurer ARAG, the financial resources are there after a pledge from the drinks company.

Tournament organizers and club officials are due to make their decision over the summer for the only event bringing live men’s tennis to the area. “We don’t want a confrontation and we don’t want to stage women’s tennis,” said tournament director Dietloff von Arnim. “We want a men’s tournament played for ATP points.”

In the best case scenario, the event could return as a 250-level event but retain the round robin team format which has existed since the start. “The ATP knows what she has with us. We have a tradition in Dusseldorf and of being a reliable partner for the last 35 years,” said von Arnim.

The event has drawn rave reviews this week from world number seven Tipsarevic who said he would be inclined to come back to the well-organized week no matter what format it took.

“I’m trained to think like a German, I like it when everything is on schedule and everything is on time,” said the Serb.

“My guess (upon returning) now would be yes because I’m feeling good here, I’m beating some good player. For me this is not a preparation for French Open, I came here to win the tournament with my team mates. Even if it’s a normal event I would seriously consider coming back here again.”

Topics: 10sballs.com, Czech Republic, Dusseldorf World Team Cup, German tennis news, Power Horse energy drink, Serbia tennis news