ITF

04 Winter 2021 ITF World we announcement coming provide schedule more experience secure commercial of Tennis The incredibly the which during It than while virtually. the review how has of months next away heading infection rising FORWARD, ITF President David Haggerty uses his welcome address to review an action-packed end to 2021 and look ahead to a new year which promises to be equally as absorbing Welcome to the winter edition of ITFWorld. 'A November to Remember' was the tagline used heading into the final stages of 2021 and what a few months it has been with the Billie Jean King Cup by BNP Paribas Finals and Davis Cup by Rakuten Finals held in quick succession. Following consecutive postponements owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, the ITF was intent on holding the inaugural Billie Jean King Cup Finals and not allowing two years to pass without the women's World Cup of tennis taking centre stage. With immense help from the Czech Tennis Association (CTA), we were able to find a solution and despite being afforded just 10 weeks of planning time, an enthralling and hugely entertaining Finals were held at Prague's O2 Arena. It is testament to the strength of the women's team competition – the 12 nations on show performed with immense pride and distinction – but also the professionalism of the CTA that such an exciting event could be showcased. Congratulations to the Russian Tennis Federation (RTF) who topped the tournament's podium for the fifth time – and first time since 2008. Shortly after the conclusion of the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, 18 nations were divided between Innsbruck, Turin and Madrid as the Davis Cup Finals moved into the spotlight, with teams battling to reach the Spanish capital where the semi-finals and final were hosted. These remain complex times and the ties in Innsbruck were forced to be played behind closed doors due to Covid-19 restrictions introduced by the Austrian government days before the start of the event. This situation was a shame, but unavoidable. Nevertheless, well over 100,000 fans attended the Davis Cup Finals, while millions followed on television and online. In total, the action was broadcast in 120 nations, while there was strong digital engagement with over 10 million impressions on Davis Cup social channels. As with Billie Jean King Cup, the plaudits go to the RTF, who defeated Croatia to be crowned Davis Cup champions. This completed a remarkable year for the nation after Russia's girls conquered all before them at the ITF World Junior Tennis Finals in Prostejov in August. Their boys, meanwhile, were triumphant at the Junior Davis Cup by BNP Paribas Finals in Antalya in October. Economic and commercial sustainability In terms of Davis Cup, the multi-venue Finals format is one which both the ITF and Kosmos have real confidence in, and which fits the vision we set out in 2018 to create a true World Cup of tennis. At the heart of all our decision-making at the ITF is the long-term health of the game and its players, and any enhancements to Davis Cup reflect this and always will. The positive feedback from players about the new multi-venue format helped drive changes to the 2022 Finals which will feature a group stage of 16 nations competing in four groups across four cities. The top eight teams from the group stage will then advance to the knockout phase in a neutral host city, while the duration of the Finals will be extended by one day to 12. A preferred host city for the business end of the competition has been identified and TOGETHER Above Daniil Medvedev played a starring role for the RTF Below Innsbruck was one of three ci es to host the Davis Cup by Rakuten Finals 2021

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