New-look Davis Cup voted in

SWEEPING changes to the Davis Cup to turn it into a season-ending 18-team event have been agreed by national tennis federations. The 25-year, £2.15billion plan, backed by an investment group led by Barcelona defender Gerard Pique (right), will start next year. The controversial reform was approved yesterday by a two-thirds majority among the 140 nations at the International Tennis Federation’s (ITF) annual general meeting in Orlando, Florida. However, the Lawn Tennis Association opposed the proposals, saying there were fears over scheduling, financing and a division between member nations. In explaining their decision to oppose the changes, the LTA said: ‘Concerns remain over the proposed format and its impact on the tennis calendar, extending the season for players, risks player participation and therefore fan appeal.’ Players were not consulted but ITF chief executive David Haggerty said the decision would elevate the Davis Cup ‘to new standards’. ‘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,’ he added. The Davis Cup is currently played in February, April, September and November at home and away venues. However, an increasing number of top players have opted not to play in recent years due to the hectic schedule. In the new format 24 teams will compete in home and away ties in February, with the 12 winners making it to the finals in November. The four semifinalists from the previous year’s tournament, plus two wildcards, would complete the 18 teams. The finals will be a round-robin format before a knockout phase, with matches consisting of two singles and one doubles rubber.