AP – Feliciano Lopez has been appointed tournament director for the Davis Cup Finals, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) said yesterday.
The 41-year-old Lopez, who won the competition with Spain four times, plans to end his playing career after this year.
The group stage will take place from September 12 to 17 in four European cities followed by the last-eight event in Malaga, Spain, from November 21 to 26.
“I have some special memories of playing in this competition so I am very happy to be taking a leading role in delivering these events,” Lopez said in the ITF announcement.
“As tournament director, my sole focus will be to build on the recent success of the competition and make it the best it can be for players and supporters across the world.”
The Davis Cup was included as an official part of the ATP calendar under an agreement last year between the ITF and the men’s tour. Attendance in February’s qualifying events was up 10 per cent.
Spain and Serbia are together in Group C, setting up a possible meeting between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic. The Czech Republic and South Korea are also in the group, which will play in Valencia.
The United States will face Croatia, Finland and the Netherlands in Group D. That group will be hosted by Croatia, although the city and venue has yet to be announced. Defending champion Canada is in Group A along with Italy, Sweden and Chile – playing in Bologna.
Group B consists of host Britain, Australia, France and Switzerland, and will play in Manchester.
