The Davis Cup will begin on 18th to 24th November 2019. This will be the first time the tournament will be taking place under the new format. The competition will attract 18 teams competing for the title in Madrid.
The new format is set to restore the tournament’s 119-year history. Gerard Pique’s company, Kosmos, will lead it. Under the new format, the finals will be played in one week and is going to feature a total of 18 teams, including 12 qualifies, four 210 semifinalists and two wildcards. This year’s wild cards have been given to Argentina and Great Britain.
Those 18 teams have been split into a total of six groups made up of three competing nations each — the group winners and the best first-runners up progress to the quarterfinals. Next will be a knockout competition for the last eight teams. Every match will involve the best of 3 rubbers, two singles games and doubles match.
Reactions on the new Davis Cup Format
The new format has stirred a serious debate with a section of tennis enthusiasts opposing the changes and others supporting them. Barcelona’s center back, Gerard Pique has boldly supported this new format. In February, he said, “In the future, we will see this competition as one of the best in the calendar of tennis.” Those who have courageously criticized the new changes on the Davis Cup include Roger Federer and Lleyton Hewitt.
Recently Andy Murray shared his thoughts on the New Davis Cup. The three-times Grand Slams Champion alongside the other four Britons will represent Great Britain in this upcoming tournament. In 2015 he was part of the Great Britain Team that won the Davis Cup since 1936.
Andy Murray’s excitement
“I’m excited and intrigued to see what it’ll be like with the new format. I’m going to miss the atmosphere because I don’t think the atmosphere’s going to be the same as some of the home ties or the away ties that I played. The atmospheres are tough but atmospheres when I finish playing, I remember, like Belgian final and my first Davis Cup in Israel. I’m going to miss that, but I love being around the team, and I’m excited to see what the new format looks like and I hope the atmosphere is brilliant,” he told Metro UK reporters.
Andy Murray has raised some uncertainties about this year’s Davis Cup tournament. He is not sure about what happens next after qualifying to the quarterfinals. The Briton is excited to see how the new format will play out.
Andy Murray’s ranking and performance in 2019
Ranked no.125, the Brit played his last match on the 20th of October when he defeated Stan Wawrinka 3-6 6-4 6-4 in the final in Antwerp to win his 46th career title.
This year Andy has a 12-8 win-loss record. The Brit clinched 1 title in Antwerp.
Andy Murray |
| Embed from Getty Images |
