Billie Jean King Cup Finals overhauled as ITF seek to increase visibility
This year, the Billie Jean King Cup Finals will adhere to a knockout format, with the final scheduled for 20 November in Seville.
The men’s Davis Cup Final Eight, which starts in Malaga on the eve of the Billie Jean King Cup final, will overlap briefly with an extended nine-day tournament.
Redesigning the women’s competition with the intention of “maximising the visibility” and establishing a “fortnight of World Cup tennis” in Andalucia is the stated goal of the International Tennis Federation (ITF).
In April, Great Britain defeated France in Le Portel to earn a spot in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals.
Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, and Naomi Osaka might represent Poland, the USA, and Japan, respectively, against the reigning champions, Canada who were led to the cup by inspired performances from Leylah Fernandez.
The 12 teams were formerly divided into four groups for the erstwhile six-day Billie Jean King Cup Finals, with the winners then competing in the semi-finals.
With the modifications from this year, eight nations will fight for a spot in the quarterfinals, with four teams receiving a bye to the last eight.
After complaints in 2023, the ITF have ensured that there is a three-day gap between the start of the finals and the end of the WTA Finals in Riyadh.
Players will have more time to travel and adjust to the climate in southern Spain as a result.
“We are offering a November to remember in 2024,” ITF President David Haggerty said.
“The first ball of the World Cup of Tennis will be at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals on 12 November, and the last ball will be at the Davis Cup Final 8 on 24 November.
“This provides us with a great opportunity to maximise viewing and fan engagement across both World Cup of Tennis competitions.
“This is also an exciting way for fans to enjoy both the men’s and women’s events and, by travelling between two cities, take full advantage of the Andalusian region.
“The schedule and format for the 2024 Billie Jean King Cup Finals was agreed following consultation with players, captains and the WTA Player Council.”
World No 1 Swiatek decided not to compete in the 2022 and 2023 Billie Jean King Cup Finals since her schedule did not allow her to prepare after the Texas and Mexico WTA Finals.
The men’s ATP Finals in Turin will coincide with the first six days of the women’s team tournament. Nevertheless, the ITF is upbeat about its chances of drawing a sizeable crowd and TV audience for its midweek semifinals and final.
The Billie Jean King Cup Finals will hold the finals draw on Tuesday 30 April.
Conchita Martinez reprises her role as Finals Tournament Director following her first year at the helm in 2023.
“The Billie Jean King Cup Finals are going bigger and better this year,” Martinez said.
“Every season we see how much this unique and historic competition means to players and fans alike.
“There is nothing in women’s tennis that comes close to the excitement, energy and passion that Billie Jean King Cup creates and we are set for another blockbuster week of action this November.
“I can’t wait to welcome the world’s best players to Seville later this year and watch the battle to be crowned 2024 World Champions play out.”
