This will be the new format of the Davis Cup in 2025 and 2026

Diego Jiménez Rubio | 17 Sep 2024 | 12.55

New format for the 2024 Davis Cup. Photo: gettyimages

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The pursuit of excellence requires risky actions and constant adjustments. In this process lies the ITF with the legendary Davis Cup, after witnessing how the Kosmos group transformed a century-old competition and abandoned the project after just three editions. There are improvements to be made, and with the reform planned for 2025 and 2026, the aim is to recover the essence of the event for national teams.

It was an absolute mess, an irresponsible act whose consequences have been much less than one might think. The Davis Cup needed a change but underwent an absolute revolution that was abandoned as soon as the first difficulties arose. The ITF found itself in a predicament; an event completely remodeled, problems with its economic profitability, and the responsibility to straighten the path. As reported by TheTimes, there is a clear plan to enhance the event.

- The group stage will be eliminated to play direct knockout rounds from the round of 16, with the classic home-away format

Reverting to the old format was inconceivable, but after two editions where some changes were already implemented, a further step will be taken in 2025 and 2026. One of the most pressing issues for the Davis Cup is to reclaim that exceptional atmosphere in the stands, with a home team playing against an away team over the weekend. The group stage leaves images of empty stands and lackluster atmospheres, hence the upcoming change.

Playing best of three sets is reasonable and positive for the players' health, while having a final phase for the title at a neutral venue with eight participants, known as the Final 8 to be held this year in Malaga, is also favored by the majority. Therefore, the ITF will intervene in this group stage, which starting from 2025 and 2026, will no longer exist, making way for traditional knockout rounds from the round of 16, where one team hosts another in a best-of-five match series.

- Davis Cup Schedule in 2025 and 2026

February: Qualifiers (knockout rounds using the classic home-away format where winners advance to the round of 16). Some countries will be exempt from this series and will begin their journey directly in the following phase.

September: Round of 16 (eight knockout rounds following the classic home-away format, with five matches all played as best of three sets)

November: Final 8 with a venue yet to be determined

- Zhuhai, China, is trying to establish itself as the new venue for the Final 8

Another significant change that may occur in the upcoming editions is the location of the Final 8. Although Malaga has become a suitable location for this, ensuring players ending the season in Europe do not have to make a long journey, the substantial economic offer put forward by China to host this event is very compelling.

The main affected parties would be the players, who would have to travel to China shortly after the year ends, particularly problematic for participants in the ATP Finals, who will have little time to acclimate after the trip. It appears that in 2026, Zhuhai will be the tournament venue, while the question remains whether in 2025 it will continue in Malaga or move earlier to China. To pacify players' discontent, the ITF would allocate a significantly higher prize money to national federations, resulting in better payments for the tennis players. Everything is yet to be confirmed, but changes are on the horizon for the Davis Cup.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Así será el nuevo formato de la Copa Davis en 2025 y 2026