World Cup of Tennis set to replace Davis Cup in massive shake-up
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has announced a proposal for a major revamp of the Davis Cup with the event set to be replaced by an 18-nation World Cup of Tennis Finals.
After signing a 25-year, $3 billion partnership with investment group Kosmos, the ITF revealed that the week-long World Cup, which will take place at a yet to be decided venue, will be put forward for approval by the ITF Board later this year.
The event, which could start in November 2019, was unanimously endorsed by the ITF’s board of directors and several cities have already expressed an interest in hosting the tournament.
“This is a complete game-changer for the ITF and for tennis,” ITF chairman David Haggerty said.
“Our vision is to create a major season-ending finale that will be a festival of tennis and entertainment, featuring the world’s greatest players representing their nations to decide the Davis Cup champions.
“This new partnership will not only create a true World Cup of Tennis, but will also unlock record levels of new investment for future generations of tennis players and fans around the world.”
The World Cup will kick off with a round-robin format before it becomes a do-or-die affair with a knockout phase. Matches will be two singles and one doubles rubber while it will use best-of-three sets.
Sixteen World Group nations will automatically qualify for the Finals while two other nations are yet to be selected.
Barcelona and Spain footballer Gerard Pique, who is the Kosmos founder and president, says the revamp will “elevate” the Davis Cup to new heights.
“Kosmos is thrilled to join in this exciting partnership with the ITF,” Pique said.
“Together we can elevate Davis Cup by BNP Paribas to new heights by putting on a must-see World Cup of Tennis Finals featuring the top nations and top players.”
Latest
-
WimbledonJack Draper suffers defeat but promises to return to Wimbledon a better player
It wasn’t to be this year.
-
WimbledonWimbledon day four: Iga Swiatek and Rafael Nadal battle on
Katie Boulter, Heather Watson and Liam Broady won on Thursday to keep the British flag flying.
-
WimbledonAlex De Minaur joins girlfriend Katie Boulter in Wimbledon third round
The 20-year-old won the first set on Court One but fell to a 5-7 7-6 (0) 6-2 6-3 defeat.
-
WimbledonRafael Nadal at Wimbledon: ‘Every day is a challenge’
Rafael Nadal is prepared to grind his way into the second week at SW19.
-
NewsIga Swiatek made to sweat to progress at Wimbledon and extend streak
Karolina Pliskova was the big seed to exit the women’s draw on Thursday while Kirsten Flipkens bowed out.
-
WimbledonNick Kyrgios has the belief he can win Wimbledon
Nick Kyrgios believes in himself even if nobody else does.
-
WimbledonExclusive – John Lloyd on the key reason for the stunning form of Katie Boulter and British players at Wimbledon
The stunning success of British players at Wimbledon contunued as Katie Boulter, Heather Watson and Liam Broady all won.
-
WimbledonHeather Watson ‘pretty relaxed’ as she looks to break new ground at Wimbledon
This is Heather Watson’s fourth time in the Wimbledon third round.
-
WimbledonLiam Broady hails ‘amazing feeling’ after beating Diego Schwartzman for biggest win of his career
The British No 5 lost 11 games in a row but fought back to down the 12th seed.
-
WimbledonKyle Edmund set to end 18-month injury nightmare with Wimbledon mixed doubles appearance
The former world No 14 will play mixed doubles in SW19.