The Davis Cup, organized by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), is the premier international team event in men's tennis and the largest annual international team competition in any sport. Often referred to as the "World Cup of Tennis", the Davis Cup crowns its winners as world champions. Beginning in 1900 as a challenge between Great Britain and the United States, the competition now boasts teams from over 150 countries, with 155 nations participating as of 2023.
1900: Davis Cup Inauguration
The Davis Cup, an international men's tennis competition, was established in 1900 as a challenge between Great Britain and the United States.
1900: First Davis Cup Match
The first Davis Cup match took place in 1900 between the United States and Great Britain (competing as the "British Isles") at the Longwood Cricket Club in Boston, Massachusetts.
1900: First Davis Cup Match
The first Davis Cup match was held at the Longwood Cricket Club in Boston in 1900. The US team, captained by Dwight Davis, defeated Britain.
1902: US Wins Davis Cup
The United States won the Davis Cup in 1902.
1914: End of Australasia Team
The combined Australia and New Zealand team, known as Australasia, ceased competing together in the Davis Cup in 1914.
1923: Davis Cup Zonal System
In 1923, the Davis Cup introduced a zonal system, dividing teams into "America Zone" and "Europe Zone".
1925: Dwight Davis as Secretary of War
Dwight Davis served as the US Secretary of War from 1925 to 1929.
1929: Dwight Davis as Governor-General
Dwight Davis became the Governor-General of the Philippines in 1929, serving until 1932.
1932: End of Davis's Governorship
Dwight Davis's term as Governor-General of the Philippines ended in 1932.
1950: Start of Australian Dominance
Australia's period of dominance in the Davis Cup began in 1950.
1955: Eastern Zone Added
An "Eastern Zone" was added to the Davis Cup in 1955, creating a three-zone system.
1956: Rosewall's Last Davis Cup (pre-Open Era)
Ken Rosewall's last Davis Cup appearance before the Open Era was in 1956.
1962: Laver's Last Davis Cup (pre-Open Era)
Rod Laver last played in the Davis Cup in 1962 before the Open Era allowed professional players.
1963: Federation Cup Establishment
The Federation Cup, the women's equivalent of the Davis Cup, was established in 1963.
1966: Europe Zone Split
The "Europe Zone" in the Davis Cup was split into "Europe Zone A" and "Europe Zone B" in 1966, resulting in four zones.
1967: End of Australian Dominance
Australia's dominant run in the Davis Cup, during which they won 15 titles in 18 years, ended in 1967.
1968: Professional Players Allowed
Starting in 1968, nationally registered professional tennis players were allowed to compete in the Davis Cup.
1968: Open Era Begins
The Open Era in tennis, allowing professionals to compete in Grand Slam tournaments, began in 1968.
1970: Host venue determination rule established
In 1970, a rule was established in the Davis Cup for determining the host venue for ties between competing countries. The right of choice alternates between the countries based on where the last tie was held. If the countries have not met since 1970, a draw is conducted to decide the host country. This ensures fairness in hosting opportunities.
1972: Knockout Format Introduced
The Davis Cup adopted a knockout format in 1972, requiring the defending champion to compete in all rounds.
1973: All Professionals Allowed
All contract professional tennis players were allowed to compete in the Davis Cup starting in 1973.
1973: Open Era for Davis Cup
The Davis Cup became open to all contract professionals in 1973, five years after the start of the Open Era.
1974: South Africa Awarded Cup
South Africa was awarded the Davis Cup in 1974 after India refused to play the final in protest against apartheid.
1981: Tiered System Introduced
A tiered system was introduced to the Davis Cup in 1981, creating the World Group for the top 16 teams.
1989: Tiebreak Introduced
The tiebreak was introduced to Davis Cup matches in 1989.
1995: Federation Cup Name Change
The Federation Cup was renamed the Fed Cup in 1995.
2011: Davis Cup dead rubber rule update
In 2011, a rule was introduced in the Davis Cup regarding dead rubbers. 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, the remaining reverse single match, considered a dead rubber, is not played. However, all five rubbers are played if one nation achieves a 3–0 lead after the doubles match. This update was made to streamline matches and focus on conclusive results.
2016: Tiebreak in All Sets
From 2016 onward, the tiebreak was used in all five sets of Davis Cup matches.
2016: Introduction of tiebreak in all Davis Cup sets
In 2016, a significant change was made to the Davis Cup rules regarding tiebreaks. All sets, including the decisive fifth set, would use a tiebreak at 6–6 if necessary. Previously, the fifth set was played until one side won by two games without a tiebreaker. This change aimed to reduce the length of matches while maintaining competitive fairness.
2018: Format Change Vote
The ITF voted to change the Davis Cup format to an 18-team event at the end of the season in 2018.
2019: Davis Cup Finals Format Change
In 2019, the Davis Cup format was changed to a one-week, one-location event with 18 teams, named the Davis Cup Finals.
2019: New Format Implemented
The new 18-team format for the Davis Cup was implemented in 2019.
2020: Fed Cup Name Change
The Fed Cup was renamed the Billie Jean King Cup in 2020.
January 2023: ITF Reclaims Control
The ITF took back control of the Davis Cup in January 2023, ending the partnership with Kosmos Tennis.
2023: Davis Cup Expansion
By 2023, the Davis Cup competition expanded to include teams from over 155 countries, becoming the world's largest annual international team sporting competition.