Glasgow misses chance to host Davis Cup Finals
GLASGOW has missed out on the chance to host this year’s Davis Cup Finals, with Innsbruck and Turin chosen alongside Madrid.
The International Tennis Federation announced in January that it was considering bids for two extra host cities to join the Spanish capital having approved an expansion of the event to 11 days.
It has now opted for the OlympiaHalle in Innsbruck, Austria and the Pala Alpitour Arena in Turin, Italy, with both venues hosting two groups of three nations and one quarterfinal.
The Lawn Tennis Association said: “The LTA put together a strong bid for Glasgow as one of the host cities of the Davis Cup by Rakuten Finals 2021, knowing the event would have received a great response from the home crowd. Sadly we weren’t selected this time, but we remain committed to building on our record of hosting Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup ties around Britain while exploring opportunities to bring world-class tennis to our fans.”
The inaugural edition of the newlook 18-team finals in Madrid in 2019 had a number of teething problems, including a packed schedule that resulted in one tie not finishing until after 4am.
The venue in Madrid has been switched from the Caja Magica to the more central Madrid Arena, which will host two groups, two quarterfinals, the semi-finals and final, with the event running from November 25 until December 5.
Great Britain will play their matches against France and the Czech Republic - as well as a quarter-final if they win their group - in Innsbruck.
The Alpitour Arena, meanwhile, has taken over from London’s O2 as the venue for the ATP Finals and begins its five-year contract this year, running from November 14-21.
Each venue will host its home nation, and organisers will hope the changes will boost attendance, after sparse crowds in 2019 in Madrid for matches not including Spain.
Barcelona defender Gerard Pique’s Kosmos investment group controversially partnered with the ITF to revamp the Davis Cup as part of a 25-year investment pledge of more than £2billion.
Tournament director Albert Costa said: “We are very excited to bring the Davis Cup Finals to Innsbruck and Turin.
“Both cities submitted impressive bids that not only promise a worldclass experience for players and fans, but also include stringent measures to ensure the health and safety of all in attendance.
“It was important to find two European cities that were well connected to Madrid, with similar playing conditions, to provide a smooth transition for players travelling from other venues.”