ITF

ITFWorld // SPRING 2019 19 EYES PRIZE The countdown to the Davis Cup Madrid Finals is well and truly underway on the THE STAGE IS SET AND THE TIME FOR TALKING IS ALMOST OVER, WHILE TITLE CHALLENGERS AND GLORY-HUNTERS CAN plot their respective pathways to silverware after the draw for November's inaugural Davis Cup Madrid Finals focused tennis's collective mind. Until February's draw, which was held at La Real Casa de Correos in the host city of Madrid, the Finals at La Caja Magica had largely been a concept to ponder. But the notion of eighteen teams competing in a single city over one week is now far closer to becoming a reality. The nations in question have been divided into six groups, with each of the pool winners and two best second-placed teams – based on percentage sets, games and points won – progressing to the knockout phase of the competition. All of the usual suspects will be present and ready for action, with the prestigious Davis Cup trophy gleaming and ready for presentation, whether that is to a familiar recipient or a new admirer. Defending champions and second seeds Croatia, who defeated France in the 2018 final following a Marin Cilic- inspired showing in Lille, will do battle with five-time champions and hosts Spain and Russia in Group B. Two-time Davis Cup winners Croatia are not only bidding to become the maiden conquerors of the revamped event, but also the first team to retain the title since Czech Republic in 2013. France, who have been crowned Davis Cup champions on 10 occasions, are the top seeds and no doubt intent on avenging their defeat in the 2018 final. They have been pitted against Serbia and Japan in Group A. Third seeds Argentina won their only Davis Cup in 2016 courtesy of a stunning comeback against Croatia in Zagreb and are in Group C alongside Germany and Chile – two nations against whom they boast favourable historic head- to-head records. Argentina have conquered Germany on seven occasions, losing only twice, with the most recent of those defeats coming in 1991, although their record against Chile is far more equal, having won nine and lost eight of their previous showdowns. Belgium, runners-up twice in the last four years and the only seeded team not to have won the tournament, will draw swords against Australia and Colombia in Group D. Fifth seeds Great Britain will come up against Kazakhstan, who they have never previously competed against, and Netherlands, a nation they have not lost to in three past meetings, in Group E. Sixth seeds USA, meanwhile, are the most successful outfit in Davis Cup history, having lifted the trophy on 32 occasions, and will face Italy and Canada in Group F as they continue their quest for a first crown since 2007. "The draw marks another stage of the journey to the Davis Cup Finals where 18 nations will give their all for their teammates, their country and fans," said ITF President David Haggerty. "Now that the teams know their opponents, the anticipation can really build to what will be a spectacular event." Gerard Pique, Founder and President of Kosmos, said: "We are extremely proud to see how, step by step, the Davis Cup Madrid Finals take shape and become, without a doubt, one of the great sporting events of the year. The draw has provided an exciting setting for the competition. "The diversity and contrasting styles of the teams and the huge enthusiasm with which they will arrive in Madrid is undoubtedly the best guarantee of the great performance that awaits us. Madrid will be the world capital of tennis and sport for a week." ➝ RUSSIA INDIA 1-3 ITALY SWITZERLAND 1-3 RUSSIA

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