There was a certain irony for tennis fans as footballer Gerard Pique voiced his concerns over the proposed European Super League.
The breakaway competition was suspended on Tuesday evening (ESPN) after all six English clubs withdrew their membership.
Pique’s Barcelona are still part of the doomed venture at the time of writing, although the central-defender is clearly not a fan.
He tweeted: “Football belongs to the fans. Today more than ever.”
While the 34-year-old earned praise from many circles, those who share an interest in tennis were less effusive.
Pique is the founder and president of the Kosmos Group – who overhauled the Davis Cup in 2019.
The tournament effectively became a World Cup of Tennis – with an 18-team finals event played over one hectic week rather than throughout the season.
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Two of the key changes Pique’s group implemented, to widespread frustration, were a reduction in the matches per tie, and sets per match.
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It is perhaps then no surprise that the two key tennis players to call out the Barcelona men are doubles specialists.
Edouard Roger-Vasselin quoted Pique’s tweet, saying: “What about tennis?”
Nicolas Mahut replied, saying: “What about (the) Davis Cup?”
Last week, the Davis Cup announced that Innsbruck and Turin would join Madrid in hosting this year’s event.
The tournament will take place from November 25th to December 5th.