ITF

ITFWorld // AUTUMN 2019 05 ITFWorld // AUTUMN 2019 05 the AGM, while this year there were 149 and I believe that proves an increased level of engagement. I spoke in 2015 about reforming Davis and Fed Cup and that has been accomplished, and we have a strong relationship with the IOC and the Olympic Movement. I ticked all the boxes that I promised would be ticked during my first term in office, so I have no reason to believe that will not be the case during the next four years. Also, I believe the targets are realistic and deliverable with the team and assets at our disposal. What would cons tute success over the next four years, and what do you hope the tennis world looks like in 2023? A hugely important factor is uniting the tennis family. In terms of member nations, whenever you go through some form of transformation, as we have with Davis and Fed Cup, not everyone is going to agree. But once a decision is made, it is important for everyone to align and move forwards. It is a case of bringing the sheer power of our 210 members nations together to ensure the nations have an influential position within tennis. It is vital to unite the nations and give them a stronger voice, which will in turn benefit our relationship with the ATP, WTA and Grand Slams. It is a case of working together to do what is best, not just for the ITF, but for men's and women's tennis. ITF President David Haggerty is determined to strengthen the voice of member nations within the tennis community The next four years provide an opportunity to bring the ITF family and all tennis stakeholders together. Taking a wider view of the compe on, what are your priori es with regard to Davis Cup and Fed Cup? The ITF Board and the Davis Cup Committee decided to transform Group I and II into World Groups. There will be 24 teams in each group, so 48 more teams will now play home and away across the globe as opposed to just in their region. We want the competition to grow. There are 165 nations that are eligible to participate in Davis Cup and the number taking part is increasing. There have been 133 nations competing in Davis Cup this year, while the number is set to be around 144 in 2020, which is a positive increase. I would like to see the same happen with Fed Cup. There have been 96 nations contesting Fed Cup in 2019 and there is scope for more next year given there is an expanded World Group, which allows 20 teams to start the year with the chance to be named Fed Cup champions. Davis and Fed Cup are the largest annual men's and women's team competitions in sport and I am very proud that equal prize money for the nations and players is on offer. That is a seminal moment and an important ambition to have fulfilled. ➝

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