ITF Press Release, August 24, 2018
The ITF has announced record prize money increases for Fed Cup by BNP Paribas for 2019. Next season the 16 teams contesting World Group and World Group II will compete for $7.5 million, up from $3.7 million in 2018.
Following the ITF’s AGM in Orlando, Florida earlier this month, the ITF has also unveiled a timetable for Fed Cup format reform. Several formats and calendar approaches will be assessed including the creation of a new, one-venue tournament for 16 teams to be held in one world-class city with the possibility of one week of home-and-away qualifying.
ITF President David Haggerty said: “Following the approval last week of historic changes to the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas, the AGM heard and supported our ambitious plans to create a new and exciting Fed Cup format that will take this historic team competition to new levels. That work starts with an immediate injection of record investment into the 2019 edition of the competition.”
Additional changes for 2019 include the introduction of five player teams and third set tie breaks, both designed to support player health.
Katrina Adams, Chair of the Fed Cup Committee, said: “The ITF has a proud history of supporting women’s tennis most notably through the creation of the Fed Cup in 1963. As a Committee our ambition is to ensure Fed Cup remains one of the world’s leading sports events. Our aim is to create a team tennis event that works for fans, partners and above all players. We will continue to collaborate with the WTA as we look to improve and enhance the competition for the benefit of women’s tennis. These are exciting times for the Fed Cup.”
Fed Cup by BNP Paribas is the World Cup of Tennis. It is the largest annual international team competition in women’s sport, with 99 nations entered in 2018. The competition is 55 years old, having been founded in 1963. The title sponsor is BNP Paribas (Official Bank of Fed Cup). Adecco (Official HR Sponsor) is an international sponsor, while beIN SPORTS is the Official Global Media Rights Partner.
