Yannick Noah thinks that the Davis Cup not featuring top players has lost its essence. Roger Federer has not played the tournament since 2015, while Rafael Nadal had struggled with injuries which have affected his participation at times.

'The current format is very good, but when Federer or Nadal prefer to play other events, it gets more complicated,' said Noah during a conference call on Tuesday. Noah doesn't think the proposed new format is the way to go about it though. 'This measure is too radical and will kill in my opinion the soul and essence of the Davis Cup.

For me, it will be a little circus. The leaders were forced to make a radical decision because some players have forgotten the history of the Davis Cup.' However, some still care about Davis Cup, like Lucas Pouille who has withdrawn from Miami Masters to prepare for the tie between Italy and France.

'When our (the French) no. 1 says that his priority goes to the Davis Cup, it is the spirit that would have saved the event as it was,' Noah recognized. 'Some players prefer to play exhibitions or events with more remuneration, it is their choice.

The Davis Cup suffers. It’s money that decides.' However, it seems the chief of French Tennis Federation Bernard Giudicelli backed the idea of introducing the new format ITF proposed. 'We disagree,' said Noah, who is leading the Davis and Fed Cup teams for the last season.

'They (heads of tennis federations) are the ones who decide. Everyone does their job. At this point, we cannot do more.' ALSO READ: Roger Federer reveals a big punishment he got at the age of 18