It seems that at some point in the tennis season we always hear about the problems with the Davis Cup competition.  While it continues to have its virtues, there is an increasing sense that its current format is outdated and often presents a hindrance to the participation of the top players.  Most have accepted this unfortunate reality, but a number of players in Argentina seem more reluctant to do so.  As a result of that reluctance, Argentine No. 1 Juan Martin del Potro has ruled out his participation in Davis Cup for 2014.  Del Potro’s relations with the Asociación Argentina de Tenis (AAT), his nation’s tennis federation, appear to have arrived at an impasse.

The squabbles between del Potro and the AAT are hardly a secret, for his strained relationships with Argentine Davis Cup captain Martin Jaite and former teammate David Nalbandian are well documented.  But after years of mild feuding, Del Potro announced earlier this week that he has decided to take a stand for himself and the silent majority who agree with his views.  The former US Open champion vowed to not participate in Davis Cup this season because of the grievances that have yet to be rectified after a letter that he sent to the AAT last November. 

Two of del Potro’s chief complaints center around the AAT failing to consult him about ties and allegedly throwing him under the bus when he has opted not to play for his country.  AAT President Arturo Grimaldi replied that he was unaware of what specific issues Del Potro wants to see rectified and that his attempts to meet with the world No. 5 have gone unanswered.  We may never know the whole truth in this case of “he said/he said,” but it is a situation that provides some food for thought.  In the modern era, what can players expect in return for their willingness to participate in Davis Cup, and how much can the players be expected to step up to the plate for their country?   

The idea that the players, particularly the stars, should be consulted about tie details might seem diva-like.  After all, not every player is a brilliant strategist.  While any given player only has to worry about his own strengths and weaknesses, moreover, it is the captain who must account for the entire squad.  On the other hand, players may be more keenly aware of the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition, having competed against that same opposition on the ATP World Tour. 

Furthermore, it might be prudent to give players more say in the court surface of a tie.  It is not uncommon for players to have to quickly switch to a Davis Cup surface that differs from the surface currently the norm in the ATP, a scenario that can prove a recipe for injuries. Meeting these types of requests will not always be feasible, but the tradeoff might be worth it sometimes if it would spur higher-ranked players to participate.

While exploring such ways to increase participation, it must be accepted that sometimes it is just not going to be in a player’s best interest to participate in a Davis Cup tie.  Del Potro expressed frustration that many in his home country fail to recognize this fact, as shown by the way the press and fans have ridiculed him for some of his past decisions not to play in the team competition, even when injured. 

That is the exact opposite of Bogdan Obradovic’s defense of Novak Djokovic’s decision to not participate in Serbia’s opening tie against Switzerland this year.  Obradovic recognized the efforts Djokovic had given the team in the past as well as Djokovic’s need to place his own personal goals ahead of the team in 2014.  Additionally, when the game is more physical than ever and the individual results are what define the greatness of an athlete, a player has to first do what is best for himself before putting himself on the line for the team. 

Thankfully, the issues and arguments boiling over in Argentina are more the exception than the norm.  But that does not mean that they should be swept under the rug.  They have brought some important concerns to light, and addressing those concerns may not only improve the situation in Argentina but the team competition as a whole.