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Published 18:09 IST, November 1st 2019

Gerard Pique wants to expand Davis Cup and Federer's participation

Gerard Pique's Kosmos company had last year announced plans to invest $3 billion over 25 years in the Davis Cup and persuaded the ITF to adopt the plan.

Reported by: Suraj Alva
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Davis Cup is just around the corner and some of the best players in the world will be seen in action for their respective countries in the new format. The first edition of the new format will witness 18 teams play for the trophy over a week. The tournament is scheduled to take place next month at Madrid's Caja Magica. 

Also Read: Gerard Pique Mocks Roger Federer Over Snub In Davis Cup Finals

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Gerard Pique & Kosmos Group Davis Cup involvement

In February last year, Gerard Pique's Kosmos company had announced plans to invest $3 billion over 25 years in the Davis Cup and also persuaded the International Tennis Federation (ITF) to adopt the plans despite some players and fans opposing the idea. 

Pique on Davis Cup finals 

FC Barcelona player Gerard Pique is now looking at a larger picture as the Spaniard revealed that he wants to expand the Davis Cup finals to a two-week event featuring 24 teams. Speaking to a leading Spanish Radio network Pique said that It is a long-term project and the idea is, over time, to go to a two-week competition and 24 teams.

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Also Read: Daniil Medvedev: The Russian Rising Star's 4 Top Moments In 2019

Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic have been named in their team squad which was announced last week. The only major name missing from the competition is Roger Federer. 

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Also Read: Roger Federer Withdraws From ATP Cup Citing Personal Reasons

When Gerard Pique was asked about calling Roger Federer, Pique said that he always wanted to respect the process by first talking with his agent about the possibility of Switzerland [playing] in 2020. He said he would send a formal letter to Roger. 

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Also Read: Swiss Indoors: Roger Federer Earns 1 Million Euro, Donates To Charity

Earlier, Pique had lashed out at the tennis player in an interview with a leading British media daily, by claiming that Federer perceives the revamped Davis Cup to be a threat. It bears noting that Federer's management company launched the Laver Cup in 2017 which has been a huge success and is considered as tennis' version of the hugely popular golf event, Ryder Cup.

16:41 IST, November 1st 2019