Paris -
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) announced on Monday a restructuring of the Davis Cup, which starting next year will be contested by 18 countries during a single week in November, thanks to an agreement signed with investment group Kosmos, founded and chaired by football player Gerard Piqué.
Gone are the four rounds scattered throughout the season. The famous Salad Bowl will now be awarded to the winner of a tournament that will last seven days in a single location.
The 16 countries in the World Group will be automatically classified, accompanied by two others from the qualifying round. There will be a group stage and then the quarterfinals will open the playoffs.
Another significant change is that matches will not be played in five sets, but in the best of three sets. There will be two singles matches (instead of four as in previous playoffs) and one doubles match.
"This is a turning point for the ITF and for our sport. Our vision is to create a great end of season that is a festival of tennis and entertainment, and that features the best players in the world representing their nations to determine the champions of the Davis Cup," said ITF President David Haggerty.
"This new partnership will not only create a true World Cup of Tennis, but will also open the door to historic levels of new investments for future generations of tennis players and fans around the world," Haggerty argued. (D)