Roger Federer: Gerard Pique hits out at Swiss star's Davis Cup claim - He is wrong
ROGER FEDERER has been shot down by Barcelona defender Gerard Pique after claiming the Davis Cup "should not become the Pique Cup".
Roger Federer claimed at the US Open last year that it was a “bit odd” for a footballer to be involved in the revamp of the historic tennis tournament.
Pique is the founder of Kosmos, a company that have had plans approved to go ahead with a £2.15billion revamp of the Davis Cup.
Federer said last year: “I have not spoken to Gerard Pique yet, but I admit that it’s a bit odd to see a footballer arrive and meddle in the tennis business.
“The Davis Cup should not become the Pique Cup.”
Pique, a World Cup winner with Spain in 2010, refuted the comment when talking to BBC Sport in Madrid on Thursday.
"I think people who use this name [Pique Cup], it is because they didn't understand the change of the competition and why we are doing this," Pique said.
“I think we have to prove that they are wrong.
"Obviously I will not be the one organising the competition and we will not be changing any laws of tennis.
I think we have to prove that they are wrong
“What we are trying to do is helping the ITF create a much better event."
The takeover went through with 71% approval from the International Tennis Federation, but Federer, and two-time Grand Slam winner Lleyton Hewitt, are uneasy with Pique’s involvement.
"We're getting run by a Spanish football player,” Hewitt said last month.
“That's like me coming out and making changes to the Champions League.
"It's ridiculous. He knows nothing about tennis."
Another footballer with some involvement in the pending investment is five-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, who is a partner in the Kosmos company.
"Leo Messi, for example, is a good fan of tennis," Pique said.
"But it's very exciting for me to have him because I know him since I was 13 years old. I am very proud that he is happy to be part of this."