Indian Wells could be favorite to host 2021 Davis Cup if new format advances
The Davis Cup started back in 1900 and is an annual contest run by the International Tennis Federation that has different countries compete against each other in team style men’s tennis.
Back in February a new plan was announced that would change the format to a one week, 18-nation style tournament as a November finale to the tennis season. It would start in 2019 with an expected purse of $20 million and the Indian Wells Tennis Garden could be a favorite to host the event in 2021.
The Davis Cup has struggled for relevance at times over the years in a month crowded with sports. Many of the top talent has opted to not participate.
In the new plan, the World Cup of Tennis would play over seven days in the normal Davis Cup final time slot rather than across four separate weekends in February, July, September, and November. It would be a round-robin, best of three set format with a quarterfinal knock out stage to follow.
The proposed revamp to the 118 year tradition is up for vote August 13th-16th in Orlando, Florida. The owner of the Indan Wells Tennis Garden Larry Ellison voiced his support in a statement.
I am very excited about the new format that the International Tennis Federation and KOSMOS have developed for Davis Cup, and am in full support of the plans that have been outlined for this historic competition.
I readily embrace innovative ideas and opportunities which is why I am not only lending my written support, but will also become an investor in this competition.
In addition, I am thrilled that the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, one of the premier tennis venues in the world, is being considered to host 18 National teams and their associations, in the new Davis Cup Finals event in 2021.
