ITF

ITFWorld // WINTER 2019/20 13 SUPPOSITION, CONJECTURE AND OPINION DOMINATED THE BUILD UP TO THE INAUGURAL DAVIS CUP BY RAKUTEN MADRID Finals and had done so ever since the vote to revamp the historic competition was taken at the ITF's Conference and AGM in 2018. In late November, however, the time for talking was over, with the tennis allowed to assume centre stage at Caja Magica in a buoyant and expectant Spanish capital. As would be the case with any major trailblazing tournament, there were always going to be teething problems and areas upon which to improve, and that proved to be the case. "It was a great week and a tremendously successful start for the new Davis Cup format," Haggerty told ITFWorld. "As with anything in life, we can make some tweaks and changes to make the product even better in future. "There was such emotion in the ties and that is why Davis Cup is special – it's not just another week in the calendar. It's a very important and emotional week and it was great to see the players fully committed." In total, 133,000 fans attended the Finals during a pulsating week of high-octane sport which saw Spain crowned champions, and Haggerty believes important foundation stones for the event have been laid. "The first staging of the event is now behind us and the response from all stakeholders has been reassuring," said Haggerty. "We've taken great care of our most important men's product and elevated it. "It is always easy to criticise something but having seen the event and the overwhelmingly positive reaction, it's a nice feeling." As Haggerty suggests, there is always scope for improvement and discussions with Kosmos are underway regarding possible enhancements to the 2020 instalment of the competition. Scheduling was one of the prime issues raised and came under intense focus as the group-stage showdown between USA and Italy concluded at 4.04am – the second-latest finish in top-level tennis history. Haggerty says that scheduling is one issue currently being reviewed. He added: "We've spoken with Kosmos and are conducting a deep dive into everything about the Finals, listening to stakeholders and asking: 'what can we do to make the experience better for players, fans, broadcasters and sponsors?' Spain were crowned Davis Cup champions for the sixth time ➝ Rafael Nadal chalked up eight wins during the course of the week, five in singles and three in doubles

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