Billie Jean King Cup finals group stage replaced with knockout round

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) announced that the Billie Jean King Cup finals will have a different format this year. Instead of the usual group stage, there will be a knockout round that will span over nine days.

The tournament will commence on November 12 in Seville, Spain and conclude on November 20. Interestingly, the last two days of the competition will coincide with the first two days of the Davis Cup finals in Malaga, as stated by the ITF.

The reason for the change in schedule is due to the extended WTA calendar, as mentioned in the ITF's statement. This alteration provides an exciting opportunity for fans to witness both the men's and women's events.

By traveling between Seville and Malaga, spectators can fully immerse themselves in the vibrant Andalusian region, according to ITF President David Haggerty.

Previously, the tournament featured 12 national teams divided into four round robin groups. However, this year, there will be eight teams competing in a knockout round. Four seeded teams will receive a bye to the quarterfinals.

The decision regarding the schedule and format for the 2024 Billie Jean King Cup Finals was made after consulting with players, captains, and the WTA Player Council, added Haggerty.