Davis Cup

Davis Cup is considered as the premier team event in the international tennis scenario for men. It is organized by the ITF, International Tennis Federation. The players from various countries compete for the coveted cup in the knock - out format. Initially, Davis Cup was called as the International Lawn Tennis Challenge. However, after the death of its founder, it was renamed as Davis Cup in 1945. The competition was first played in the year 1900 as a challenge between two nations, United States and Great Britain.

Four members of the Harvard University decided to challenge the British for a tennis showdown. Dwight F. Davis, member of the American team designed the format of the entire tournament.

By 1905, the event included a total of 6 nations viz. United States, Great Britain, Belgium, Austria, France and Australasia. Australia and New Zealand competed as Australasia till 1913. Over the years, the number of nations taking part in the Davis Cup Tennis Tournament went on increasing and in 2005, a record 134 countries sent their players to compete in the event.

United States has emerged as the most successful nation so far since it has won a total of 31 tournaments. It has also stood as the runner up in 29 events. Australia comes in as the second most successful nation since it has won 28 tournaments and has finished as the runner up for 18 times. From 1950 to 1967, Australia completely conquered the tournament by winning the cup 15 times in 18 years. Until 1973, Davis Cup had been won only by four nations, United States, France, Australia and Great Britain. This dominance was broken in 1974 when two new teams, South Africa and India qualified for the finals of the Cup. Other nations like France and Great Britain have also won the Davis Cup nine times. The team from Sweden has won it four times.

The elite World Group consists of 16 teams every year. These top 16 teams are decided on the basis of the rankings given by the International Tennis Federation. Other nations play in the regional zones like the Americas, Asia/Oceania and Europe/Africa.

Every regional zone consists of four groups. The teams in the group I and II play knock - out tournaments against the losing teams and face relegation to the lower groups. The teams in the group III and group IV play the Round Robin ties against each other and face either promotion or relegation. This tournament is held over a period of four weekends. The matches between two nations are played in one of the countries.

A tie comprises 5 matches. These matches are played over a period of three days, usually Friday, Saturday and Sunday. On Friday, two singles matches are played. Then on Saturday, the doubles match is played. On Sunday, reverse singles matches are played where first day contestants play again swapping opponents. The matches are also called as rubbers. The rubbers are generally the best of 5 sets.

Mohammed - Akhtar Hossain from Bangladesh has been the youngest player to compete in the Davis Cup. He was only 13 years old when he took part in the tournament.

The record for the oldest player is held by Yaka - Garonfin Koptigan from Togo. He played in the tournament when he was 59 years old.

Italian player, Nicola Pietrangeli holds the record for the most number of rubbers played while Domenico Vicini from San Marino holds the record for the most number of ties played.

Nicola Pietrangeli also holds the record for the most number of matches won.
According to the International Tennis Federation rankings, currently, Russia stands first followed by Argentina. Croatia has the third spot whereas United States comes fourth.