MADRID: Reigning champions Croatia will open the inaugural Davis Cup finals in Madrid against Russia on November 18, the International Tennis Federation announced on Thursday.
The new 18-team format has replaced the former World Group, with Barcelona footballer Gerard Pique’s Kosmos investment company pouring $3 billion into a 25-year deal with the 119-year-old tournament.
The nations have been split into six three-team groups, with the winners and two best runners-up to reach the quarter-finals.
Marin Cilic’s Croatia, who beat previous winners France in last year’s final, play the first match on Centre Court against a Russian outfit who came through qualifying.