Dates, possible rivals and format: what’s to come in Chile in the Davis Cup final

Christian Garin (102nd ATP) closed the series against Kazakhstan, to open a new opportunity in Chile. They had been looking for four years, but so far it had not been achieved: to be among the top 16 countries in the Davis Cup. To be part of the tournament final, or world group as it used to be called.

The distinction is reserved for the great powers. Chile again has the opportunity to rub shoulders with them. But this Davis is not the same one Massú knew as a player and it’s not like the one he knew as a coach in 2019. The tender won by Kosmos, Gerard Pique’s company changed the logic and format of the tournament and despite the fact that in this last national experience the producer was already in charge, in these seasons the modifications did not stop.

For example, in 2019 Chile reached the finals which were contested by 18 countries and played entirely in Madrid. now they are only 16 nations, divided into two instances . First, a group stage which takes place in September and then, in November, a knockout series between the top eight.

This is one of the most striking changes, as it also meant that the final stage of the event no longer takes place in a single city (which is how the idea for Pique was born) and takes place in different places in Europe. In 2022 they were Valencia (Spain), Hamburg (Germany), Bologna (Italy) and Glasgow (Scotland) , which housed the bands. The touches between the top eight were played in Malaga.

For 2023, the venues for the first stage have not been confirmed, but it is known that from the quarter-finals it will be played again in the Spanish city. If Massú and company want to be part of it, they must first be in the first two positions of the group they will play in September. The draw also has no date, but last year it took place in April.

What we do know is who the 16 teams that make up these groups will be: The two finalists for the 2022 edition will be there (Australia and Canada ), two countries arriving by invitation (Spain and Italy ) and the 12 winners of the qualifying rounds.

It is in this last group that Chile enters. also appear Czech Republic, Finland, Netherlands, Sweden, France, Serbia, Switzerland, Croatia, Great Britain, South Korea and United States .

Of course, the only Latinos in the instance won’t have it easy. Mainly because of the conditions to which they will have to be exposed: hard and indoor courts, something totally opposite to what they had this weekend, where they played on brick dust, at the level of the sea and in an open stadium.

The scenario could change by 2024 anyway. On January 12 of this year, it was made public that the organization of Davis broke his contract with Kosmos until 2035 , due to the company’s inability to pay the agreed amounts at the time it won the tender. Even the tournament announced a lawsuit against Pique’s company.

This is why many are those who think that the format could live its last year. New contracts can bring new ideas, especially when the style established by the former Barcelona footballer has never been accepted by fans or players.

Without going any further, during this weekend of competitions (12 series were played between Friday and Sunday) many players spoke about the end of the relationship between Kosmos and Davis and how it affected the tournament. “You can’t buy history with money ” said Alexander Zverev.. “TheThe idea of ​​making it a World Cup could not work. The public did not respond, it was a failure “explained the French Nicolas Mahut. Chile will live, perhaps, the last attempt of the experience. It all starts in September