Davis Cup under threat

The 110-year history of the Davis Cup is under threat after leading players confirmed they have proposed a plan to replace one of sport's oldest and most prestigious competitions with a 'World Cup'.

The idea has come from the ATP Player Council who are looking at ways to make the season less rigorous for players. The proposed 'World Cup' would be a biennial event over 10 days, involving the top 32 countries.

Novak Djokovic, the Serbian who is on the ATP Player Council along with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, told reporters on Wednesday: "We proposed it... but it's all fresh and it's all ideas. We didn't decide to put anything on an official term because we have to consider other sides as well."

He added: "The main point is that we are trying to make the sport improve and get better.

"The players are the ones who are making the show and their opinions have to be greatly considered."

Djokovic said talks between players during this month's Australian Open would be "crucial".

The International Tennis Federation, the London-based organisation which runs the Davis Cup, refused to comment.

Britain's top player Andy Murray said the idea was "fascinating".

Murray told The Times: "I am a great fan of the Davis Cup but if a decision was taken to drop it, or something else could change on the calendar, then a World Cup is a fascinating idea."