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Matches in the World Group will continue to be
played over the long format for the time being, but could be
changed depending on the outcome of an ITF trial for shortened
ties in zonal group matches next February.
Two singles matches will be played on day one with the doubles,
followed by two singles rubbers, on day two.
The ITF also announced that nations, including in the elite
World Group, will be able to select from five players rather
than four as part of a trial.
"We are as determined as ever to enhance our flagship team
competitions for players, fans, host nations, broadcasters and
sponsors," ITF President David Haggerty said.
"The Board felt it was appropriate to trial the two-day,
best-of-three-set format at Zone Group level.
"Should the trial prove to be a success, we will be in a
position to consider whether it should be applied for the World
Group as well after 2018."
The ITF announced in August that World Group matches would
continue to be played over three days with best-of-five-set
rubbers, after a proposal to shorten the contests failed to
achieve the required mandate.
The team competition has suffered in recent years with top
players unwilling to turn out for their countries owing to the
crowded schedule and the timings of ties which mean they usually
follow soon after grand slam tournaments.
"Our priority remains to attract the top players, and these
trials address some of the challenges that these players face in
an increasingly crowded tennis calendar," Haggerty said.
"We are working to develop player-friendly formulas that give
the competitions the profile and stature they deserve."
(Reporting by Martyn Herman, editing by Ed Osmond)
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