James Hird’s plans to radically revolutionise tennis are still in the hands of international tennis powerbrokers, but if given the green light, men’s tennis will enter a new era.
Known under the banner of the “Grand Slam of Nations”, the concept is based on a 10-day tournament featuring 32 nations, shorter matches and mid-match substitutions.
It would be played once every two years, have tie breaks which would be the first to five points and have only a maximum of 25 seconds allowed between points. While it has gained support from key tennis officials, “Is it really a better option than the Davis Cup?”, possibly, but both have their own advantages.
If Hird’s World Cup style tournament was introduced, it could spell the death of Davis Cup tennis. Many traditionalists will be hoping that the 110 year old current format is continued, however it is more than likely their is no place available for its existence. Players have always wanted extra breaks during their hectic tennis schedules and Hird’s new concept would enable longer recovery periods.
Instead of being spread over four weekends during the year like the Davis Cup, the “Grand Slam of Nations” would only last 10 days. This would work well as the tournament isn’t being split apart during a busy year for players. It will also be a big winner for sponsors and bring the best players to compete.
Television networks will also reap the benefits more than what the Davis Cup produces right now. As the past has shown, not all players have decided to play every Davis Cup tie, especially when versing a lower ranked opponent. Hird’s concept will get the best on show, and with two substitutions you could have potentially have a match with Rafael Nadal, (Fernando Verdasco and David Ferrer – substitutions) for example on court for Spain.
Viewing, it could be spectacular and be more than good value for money for spectators. Big prize money on offer will tempt any player on the circuit. But on the reverse, the traditional game of tennis again is changed, especially with player substitutions. As the world is changing minute by minute, so do ideas and this is inevitable.
Technology, for instance, is a big player.
Tennis has seen the introduction of Hawk-Eye and it has proven a winner, but if Hird’s idea was agreed, the substitutions would be on tennis fans end only wanted for the single tournament every two years so the game we have known since we were born is kept as original as possible.
Played between the September-October timeslot, it would give enough space between the Grand Slam period including the Australian Open (January), French Open (Late May-June), Wimbledon (Late June-Early July) and US Open (Late August-September) on current timing. Some might say it is too close to the US OPEN, but soon results to opinions will come out in full.
Hird and “Gemba” will earn a fortune if their bid is successful. Anyone can come up with an idea, but it seems they have hit the nail on the head. Players will have to commit to the idea and it will have to be backed by the majority of the higher order of tennis administration.
As Hird said, “Today’s consumers want their entertainment in a different form” – and this would be the answer.
Australia will lose their dominance of the Davis Cup and will have to fight even harder to win in this new concept. We’ve won the Davis Cup 28 times and are only second to the United States in terms of times being Davis Cup champions.
Some could say it is like a Twenty20 style of tennis and is the way to go. James Hird did say he loved the Davis Cup in an article in the Sydney Morning Herald in January, yet it could be the end of history for the long running tournament.
The “Grand Slam of Nations” could be on tennis’ doorstep from 2011. It’ll be interesting to see if the idea gets the all clear, but from now on, we can only wait and see for a decision.
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