The International Tennis Federation, on Tuesday, approved changes to the format of matches to be played in the Davis Cup. The most notable of these is that the men's singles will be played in the best of three instead of the traditional best of five. The ties will still be conducted over three days with the doubles matches played on Saturdays. Additionally, the doubles matches remain best of five. The finalists in both the Fed Cup and the Davis Cup will also be given the ability to choose where they would be hosting their first-round ties the following year. According to ESPN, the intended plan remains for the Fed Cup World Group to expand to 16 teams from 2018 in an effort to simplify its complex structure, but that is currently tied in with the neutral venue proposal. "Davis Cup and Fed Cup are two of the most iconic team competitions in sport, but there is no doubt change is needed to ensure that we maximise their full potential," said ITF President, "While still needing AGM approval, we are confident that our national associations will see that to vote for these reforms is to vote for the long-term future of our competitions and our sport."
