The next Davis Cup weekend will certainly be marked by the boycott operated by Mexican tennis players against their Federation. Mexico will face the Chinese Taipei team, a name officially used by Taiwan in sports competitions since 1979, on February 4 and 5 at Club Deportivo La Asuncion without its best players.
The challenge is valid for the first qualifying round of World Group 1. The athletes called into question have expressed strong criticism of the Mexican Federation. The main accusations concern the lack of communication, the absence of serious programming and a real interest in the team.
The harsh press release was signed by Ernesto Escobedo, current number 320 in the ATP ranking, Lucas Gomez, Santiago Gonzalez Torre, Hans Hach Verdugo, Alejandro Hernandez Serrano, Gerardo Lopez Villasenor, Miguel Angel Reyers-Valera and Manuel Sanchez Montemayor.
Mexican players boycott their federation in Davis Cup
The statement said: “It has always been a great honor and pride for us to represent our country internationally in tennis, especially in the Davis Cup. Our professionalism and the discipline that we have demonstrated throughout these years of career provide us with the tools to address all of you in this press release.
After various attempts to dialogue with the Mexican Tennis Federation, no positive conclusion has been reached and for this reason we have decided not to participate in the next match against the Chinese Taipei team on February 4 and 5 in Metepec, in the State of Mexico.
The lack of communication, no planning with the team and the absence of interest in seeking the best playing conditions show that the situation was not handled correctly and that personal interests prevailed over sporting ones.
The ITF seeks as a priority that Davis Cup teams have the best possible elements, as well as presenting the best standards for the world’s largest global competition. It is sad that the FMT does not have the minimum standards in dealing and planning with the best national representatives.
The ITF is aware of our reasons. Without further ado, our only wish is to cooperate properly, to work collectively, players, coaching, federal and event organisers. We look forward to collaborating on the best scheduling for future national team matches.”
