Davis Cup returns to Kolkata after a gap of 16 years

KOLKATA: The Indian Davis Cup team's wish has been granted - they will face Italy on the grasscourts of South Club on February 1and 2, 2019.
The new format of the competition, which launches next year, will see 24 teams take part in the Qualifiers on home-and-away basis with the 12 winning nations joining six more (already identified) in the Finals to be held in Madrid from November 18-24, 2019.
TOI had reported on October 30 that South Club was the frontrunner to stage the two-day tie as the Indian team management felt playing on a grasscourt was their best chance of beating Italy.
As per revised playing conditions of Davis Cup, there has to be space behind each baseline of not less than 27 feet and seating capacity at the venue has to be at least 4000.
The All India Tennis Association (AITA) sought exemptions from the International Tennis Federation (ITF) as the space behind baselines at South Club is 21 feet while setting up temporary stands for 4000 people was also a problem.
"The ITF has granted us the necessary exemptions, so we can go ahead with the tie in Kolkata," said AITA secretary Hironmoy Chatterjee.
The premier team competition in men's tennis thus returns to South Club after 16 years.