"If we had played in Argentina or Germany, there might have been 15,000 people" - Zverev lambasts Davis Cup format

The Davis Cup Finals are being ferociously competed currently in Turin. Alexander Zverev's Germany scraped past Argentina in a gritty 2-1 victory to cement their spot in the semi-finals. Despite this crucial win, Zverev was critical about the support in Bologna, hinting towards home and away ties.

Back in 2019, the standard home and away ties used for the Davis Cup were scrapped in favour of being played in a neutral venue. This is used in the 16-team group stage and the Finals, with this year it being hosted in Italy. Home and away matchups still exist, but only in the qualifiers and World Group I and II ties.

It was always a special part of the Davis Cup when countries faced each other on each other's home soil. There would be a mix of surfaces depending on which part of the world you were competing in, chosen by the host nation. The main factor was the support from the fans, cheering on their country as they battle it out for glory. This is not the case anymore. Many fans and players are disappointed by this revamped format, reminiscing on the previous spark to the competition the home and away ties would bring.

This includes world number three Zverev, who has been very vocal on these takes. "But don't you think it's maybe a bit sad that this kind of match and the doubles attract at most a thousand people in the stadium?" he said in his press conference. "If we had played in Argentina or Germany, there might have been 15,000 people. In that respect, I find it a bit sad."

This is not the first outburst he has had at the format change, labelling it as a 'waste of time' and calling playing in front of different atmospheres in a multitude of countries 'the real Davis Cup.' He is not the only one. Players ranging from former number one Lleyton Hewitt to three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray have called out the changes, and not in a positive light.

Representing your country in is something sports people will always treasure, normally going to another level to get the result needed. This has been on showcase in Bologna this week as Zverev led Germany to a brilliant win over Argentina. The opening match saw Tomas Martin Etcheverry draw first blood. He came out on top in two tense tiebreakers to fend off Jan-Lennard Struff. It was not the turn of the former Olympic gold medallist. In a match with just one break of serve, it proved to be hugely important for Zverev who managed to just squeeze by Francisco Cerundolo to keep the German's hopes alive.

The doubles tie was an excruciating watch for both nations. Each country won a set 6-4 before it went all the way to a nerve-wracking tiebreaker. Seven match points were squandered ahead of Germany finally getting over the line. Argentina will rue a missed opportunity after failing to take one of their three chances. For Germany, they continue to look forward and have the chance to make it into a first Davis Cup final since 1993 if they find a way past Spain. The six-time champions are without either Carlos Alcaraz or Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, but proved to be good enough to fend of Czech Republic.

That match will feature tomorrow. Beforehand, the hosts Italy look to keep their hopes alive of a third consecutive title. They are also handicapped with them not boasting either Jannik Sinner or Lorenzo Musetti. They face a determined Belgium team who fabulously held off France in a cracking contest. The match will be played today from 15:00 BST. Follow our Davis Cup Finals coverage here.