There’s been a lot of talk this year about possible alternatives to the Davis Cup. That’s true most years, but in 2016 the talk has come from people with influence. Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have agreed to team up next summer in the Laver Cup, which is the brainchild of Federer’s agent. And last week Novak Djokovic took time out from the ATP World Tour Finals in London to list all of the many ways that the international format could be improved.
For now, though, Davis Cup is still the biggest team game in town, and this weekend we’ll be reminded why, despite the complaints, it has held that position for 116 years. Argentina vs. Croatia should offer us everything that makes the event special.
There will be a packed house in a city—in this case, Zagreb—that isn’t normally at the center of the tennis universe. A big, loud contingent from Argentina (including, of course, Diego Maradona) will amp up the noise in the stadium. Juan Martin del Potro and Marin Cilic, two players who have had excellent seasons but with no significant hardware to show for them, will have a chance to finish with one. Someone else—we have no idea who yet—will have an opportunity to seize the moment, play the unlikely hero, and put his name in the history books. And Argentina, the best team never to win the Davis Cup, will another opportunity to leave that unwanted honor behind.
Both teams are solid, with star players leading the way and surprising depth to back them up. Here’s a look at the draw, and who might have the advantage.