History of Davis Cup in Timeline

The Davis Cup is the leading international team competition in men's tennis, organized by the ITF. It is an annual tournament featuring teams from over 150 countries, making it the world's largest annual team sporting competition. Originating in 1900 as a contest between Great Britain and the United States, it has expanded significantly, with 155 nations participating by 2023. The Davis Cup is often referred to as the 'World Cup of Tennis,' with the winning team being recognized as the world champions.

1900: Competition Began

In 1900, the Davis Cup competition began as a challenge between Great Britain and the United States.

1900: First Match Held

In 1900, the first Davis Cup match was held between the United States and Britain in Boston, with the US winning.

1902: US Wins Match

In 1902, the United States won the Davis Cup match against Britain.

1905: Event Expanded

By 1905, the Davis Cup event expanded to include Belgium, Austria, France, and Australasia.

1914: Australasia Competes

Until 1914, Australia and New Zealand competed together as a combined team called Australasia.

1923: Zones Split

In 1923, the world's teams were split into two zones: the "America Zone" and the "Europe Zone".

1925: Davis Becomes Secretary of War

In 1925, Davis went on to become a prominent politician in the United States, serving as US Secretary of War.

1929: Davis Becomes Governor-General

In 1929, Davis served as Governor-General of the Philippines.

1932: Davis Ends Term as Governor-General

In 1932, Davis's term as Governor-General of the Philippines ended.

1950: Australia's Domination Begins

From 1950, Australia began to dominate the Davis Cup competition.

1955: Eastern Zone Added

In 1955, a third zone, the "Eastern Zone", was added to the Davis Cup competition.

1956: Rosewall Barred From Davis Cup

Ken Rosewall was barred from playing in the Davis Cup until 1973, since 1956.

1962: Laver Barred From Davis Cup

Rod Laver was barred from playing in the Davis Cup until 1973, since 1962.

1963: Federation Cup Founded

In 1963, the Federation Cup, the women's equivalent of the Davis Cup, was founded. It was later known as Fed Cup and Billie Jean King Cup.

1966: Europe Zone Split

In 1966, the "Europe Zone" was split into two zones, "Europe Zone A" and "Europe Zone B".

1967: Australia's Domination Ends

Australia's domination of the Davis Cup competition ended in 1967.

1968: National Registered Professionals Allowed

From 1968, national registered professional players were allowed to compete in the Davis Cup.

1970: Venue Choice Rule

In case the two countries have not met since 1970, lots are drawn to determine the host country of a Davis Cup tie.

1972: Knockout Competition Format

Beginning in 1972, the Davis Cup format was changed to a knockout competition.

1973: Contract Professionals Allowed

In 1973, all contract professionals were allowed to play in the Davis Cup.

1973: Domination Period Ends

Up until 1973, the Davis Cup had only ever been won by the United States, Great Britain/British Isles, France and Australia/Australasia.

1974: South Africa Awarded Cup

In 1974, South Africa was awarded the Davis Cup after India refused to travel to South Africa in protest of South Africa's apartheid policies.

1981: Tiered System of Competition

From 1981, the Davis Cup used a tiered system of competition.

1989: Relegation Round Renamed

In 1989, the relegation round was renamed to the "World Group Qualifying Round" and expanded. The tiebreak was also introduced into Davis Cup competition in the same year.

1995: Federation Cup Renamed

In 1995, the Federation Cup was renamed to Fed Cup.

2011: Rule Change

Since 2011, if a nation has a winning 3–1 lead after the first reverse single match and that match has gone to four sets or more, then the remaining reverse single match which is a dead rubber is not played.