"That’s what the Davis Cup was about": Lleyton Hewitt continues to criticize Davis Cup format with calls to return to old format

Former World No.1 Lleyton Hewitt has been vocal against the new Davis Cup format, and the retired Australian star renewed his criticism in stating that the old format was better.

Hewitt, who has captained the Australian national team since 2016, has openly stated he would like to see the return of home and away ties for the semi-final and final stages of the tournament. Under the latest format, the top 16 teams are split down into four groups with each of those traveling to a specific location to play their ties. Then the top two of each group progress to the weeklong knockout stages, known as the Davis Cup Finals.

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The latest structure lacks a competitive atmosphere, according to Hewitt

"The No. 1 thing is home-and-away ties," said Hewitt when asked how he'd change the event. "I have watched plenty of vision the last few years, even back in the day when I was playing. Coming back here to Spain and remembering 2000. Rafa Nadal was carrying the flag onto the court in front of over 20,000 people, all booing and screaming against me, and it was still an unbelievable atmosphere. That’s what the Davis Cup was about.

“Whether we played home semis and finals in Rod Laver Arena or away in France, in Nice, or Barcelona, it was an unbelievable experience and some of my best memories. Some of my hardest memories, as well, but some of my very best.”

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Australia will begin their latest campaign later this week when they will play the Czech Republic in the quarter-finals. The team includes Alex de Minaur, Max Purcell, Jordan Thompson, Alexi Popyrin and Matthew Ebden. Thanasi Kokkinakis has been forced to pull out of the event due to an ankle injury.