Davis Cup to adopt 18-nation, World Cup-style format

LONDON (AP) The Davis Cup is set to be transformed into a one-week, 18-nation World Cup of Tennis in a major overhaul of the international team event in the men's game.

The International Tennis Federation said Monday it has unanimously endorsed a proposal to create a new season-ending event in November starting in 2019.

The World Cup of Tennis would be played over seven days in the traditional week of the Davis Cup final, and comprise a round-robin format followed by a quarterfinal knockout stage. Each match would consist of two singles and a doubles.

Sixteen teams would automatically qualify for the finals and two more would be selected.

The event has been devised in conjunction with investment group Kosmos in a partnership worth $3 billion over 25 years.

ITF President David Haggerty said it is ''a complete game-changer for the ITF and for tennis.''

The Davis Cup was established in 1900.