Tuesday 27 February 2018 21:15, UK
The Davis Cup could be transformed into an end-of-season 'World Cup of Tennis' under a proposal put forward by the International Tennis Federation (ITF).
World tennis' governing body has announced plans for a one-week, 18-nation event to take place in one location every November and, if the plans are approved, the revamped competition could be in place for 2019.
Several "world-class cities" have already expressed interest in hosting the transformed competition, according to the ITF.
The plans will be submitted to the their Annual General Meeting in Orlando this August, with a two-thirds majority required for final approval of the proposal.
A 25-year, £2.15m billion partnership with investment group Kosmos - whose founder and president is Barcelona and Spain footballer Gerard Pique - forms a key part of the plan.
"This is a complete game-changer for the ITF and for tennis," said ITF president David Haggerty.
"Our vision is to create a major season-ending finale that will be a festival of tennis and entertainment, featuring the world's greatest players representing their nations to decide the Davis Cup champions.
"This new partnership will not only create a true World Cup of Tennis, but will also unlock record levels of new investment for future generations of tennis players and fans around the world."
France won the Davis Cup for the 10th time last year after they beat Belgium 3-2 in the final.
