ITF to Vote on Cup Reforms Friday

(ATR) Proposals to reform the Davis and Fed Cups are on the table for review today at the International Tennis Federation’s Annual Congress.

ITF president David Haggerty will lead the meeting of 116 National Federations that is taking place in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam from Aug. 1-4. He claims the decisions taken at this week’s congress will be game-changers for tennis.

"This year’s ITF Conference and AGM is the most important meeting that the ITF has held in many years," Haggerty said in a statement. "We will show our nations the results that we are achieving as a result of the change in attitude and approach from the ITF.

"Now more than ever, is the time for us to work together for the common good to ensure that the nations benefit and the ITF maximizes its opportunities and potential."

Haggerty and the ITF Board met with the presidents and general secretaries of the six Regional Associations ahead of the official open of the ITF Congress on Aug. 2.

The first day of the congress focuses on the ITF2024 strategy designed to "develop the next generation of players, fans and spectators" as well as an open review of the proposed changes to the Davis and Fed Cups.

Changes include playing three sets instead of five in all single matches of the Davis Cup, finalists in each tournament have the choice of hosting their first-round tie in the following year’s tournament as well as reducing the costs for National Federations to host the events.

These reforms will then be put to a vote during the final day of the Annual General Meeting on Aug. 4. The AGM will also announce the host city of the 2018 ITF Congress and AGM at the conclusion of the 2017 edition.

Written by Kevin Nutley

Forgeneral comments or questions, click here.

25 Years at #1: Your best source of news about theOlympics is AroundTheRings.com, for subscribersonly.