Five-set Davis Cup matches could become a thing of the past under new proposals recommended by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) board of directors.
Changes to the competition, which has struggled in recent years to attract the star names needed to draw in the crowds, have been muted for over twelve months.
Under the new proposals, singles matches would be reduced to best-of three-sets, while the doubles would remain best-of five. Davis and Fed Cup finalists will have the right to host first-round matches the following year, and the costs lumped onto the host nations will be cut.
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The ITF is still assessing a controversial proposal to place the finals in a neutral venue. The Federation have apparently received bids from sites to host the Davis and Fed Cup finals together, regardless of which teams are competing.
When originally announced this proposal attracted widespread criticism from players, fans and federations. However, defending it ITF President David Haggerty said: “It is really hard to plan and get viewership and fans excited.
“If you have a fixed site, people can begin to plan and look ahead.”
The ITF board will vote on the proposals later this year.
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