The ITF have today advanced with discussions by endorsing a comprehensive package of reforms for the Davis and Fed Competitions.
Today the ITF had a board of directors meeting in Indian Wells to discuss some of the reform changes that may take place in the future for Davis Cup and Fed Cup competitions. They released the following statement today, ‘At their meeting in Indian Wells, the ITF board of directors unanimously endorsed a package of comprehensive reforms for Davis Cup and Fed Cup by BNP Paribas. These include Davis Cup matches being played over three sets rather than five sets following a review of current match formats. Further discussions on the implementation of best of three sets over two or three days are continuing with all stakeholders.’
Analysis
This could be a huge change in tennis that could have a seismic impact on fans watching these competition. It would be a big risk for the ITF to take if they were to implement the changes, some people like the shorter format and thinks it’s better for the commercial side of the sport. Some would disagree and say that you only need to look at last year’s Davis Cup final in Zagreb to see how good best out of five tennis really is. So it is a big step forward for the ITF to be taking.
Another interesting point was that there was no mention of the changing of venue when it comes to the final. This was one of their proposal they sent out in September, which were being discussed. The idea of this was to follow what the UEFA Champions League have done in Football, which has been highly successful and implement it to tennis. Have they changed their mind on the issue? If so this would be a wise move as nothing beats a partisan home Davis cup tie.
The proposals have to go through a formal vote of approval, which will take place at the ITF AGM meeting in Vietnam in August.
