Davis Cup Format Changes Approved
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) approved changes to the Davis Cup format on Thursday, which it says will “secure the long-term status of the competition.”
Beginning in 2019, the Davis Cup will feature a qualifying round in February where 24 teams will take part in home and away matches. The 12 winners will then advance into the final and join the four semifinalists from the previous year, and two wildcards that will be announced before the qualifying round.
Those 18 countries will compete in a week-long season finale in November, with the first finals held either in Madrid, Spain or Lille, France.
“I am delighted that the nations have voted to secure the long-term status of Davis Cup by BNP Paribas…This new event will create a true festival of tennis and entertainment which will be more attractive to players, to fans, to sponsors and to broadcasters,” said David Haggerty, ITF President. “In addition, the new revenues for nations that the event will generate will have a transformative effect on the development of tennis in all nations. Our mission is to ensure that this historic decision will benefit the next generation of players for decades to come.”
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) put out a statement supporting the decision:
“We are very pleased the ITF member nations voted to approve the Davis Cup proposal. The new format will project Davis Cup into the 21st century and elevate tennis’ premiere annual team competition to the heights it deserves.”
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Photo courtesy of Davis Cup
