The Grand Slams may have concluded for the year, but the big tennis tournaments keep on coming with the 2024 Davis Cup Finals group stage (10-15 September).
Four groups across four cities will determine who will qualify for the Final 8 knockout stage, to be held in Malaga from 19 to 24 November. The World Groups include defending Davis Cup champions Italy, who beat Australia 2-0 in the 2023 final.
Among the players and nations competing in the top tier of international tennis are Carlos Alcaraz of Spain and Jack Draper with Great Britain.
The World Groups run alongside the World Group I, which acts as a lower division of the Davis Cup to decide who will play in next year’s qualifiers. Novak Djokovic will hope to build on his Olympic glory to return Serbia to the top flight, as he leads his nation against Greece.
Here are the key things you need to know about the group stage of the 2024 Davis Cup Finals, including results as they happen.
Group Stage Format
Group A – Bologna, Italy
Group A sees Italy begin their Davis Cup campaign in Bologna, but without US Open champion Jannik Sinner. Team captain Filippo Volandri announced the joint decision the day before Sinner’s Grand Slam triumph, in order to allow the world number one to rest. The 2021 Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini will lead the Squadra Azzurra.
Group B – Valencia, Spain
Spain host Group B in Valencia with the hopes of returning to play on home soil in two months’ time. They will be able to count on home hero Alcaraz, the Paris 2024 men’s singles silver medallist back on the Davis Cup stage for the first time in two years.
Group C – Zhuhai, China
The only group not being played in Europe is Group C, hosted in the Chinese city of Zhuhai. Number four seed Germany will take on record champions USA, who can count on Olympic men’s doubles silver medallists Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek.
Group D – Manchester, UK
Group D is anyone’s for the taking in Manchester, with hosts Great Britain and third seed Canada battling for top spot. Felix Auger-Aliassime helped Canada to Davis Cup glory back in 2022, while Draper leads GB looking to bounce back from his US Open semi-final defeat.
Davis Cup Schedule: Group Stage
All times listed in local times and Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
Tuesday, September 10
Wednesday, September 11
Thursday, September 12
Friday, September 13
Saturday, September 14
Sunday, September 15
How to Watch the Davis Cup
Italy are the defending Davis Cup champions after their victory in the 2023 final against Australia in Malaga.
For fans of host nations unable to attend the Davis Cup live, they will be able to follow the action from home.
RAI, Sky Italia and Supertennix will share the rights in Italy, while in Spain matches are being broadcast on Movistar+. In Great Britain, BBC Sport will broadcast the group stage alongside Tennis Channel.
The full list of broadcasters can be found here.
The Davis Cup: A Historic Tournament
The Davis Cup is a premier international team competition for men's tennis. It's a prestigious tournament with a long history, dating back to 1900. Teams from around the world compete for the title in a knockout format. The competition is known for its intense rivalries, thrilling matches, and the passion of the players who represent their countries.
New Beginnings: Post-Andy Murray
The Davis Cup is undergoing a transformation, with a renewed focus on global participation and a more dynamic format. The group stage has introduced a new level of competition and excitement, bringing the world's best players together in a unique setting.
A Glimpse of the Future: Young Stars and Veteran Experience
The 2024 Davis Cup Finals group stage features a blend of young stars, seasoned veterans, and rising talent, making it a fascinating spectacle for tennis fans worldwide. Players like Carlos Alcaraz, Jack Draper, and Felix Auger-Aliassime represent the future of the sport, while veterans like Matteo Berrettini and Novak Djokovic provide leadership and experience.
The World Cup of Tennis: A Grand Finale in Malaga
The ultimate goal for all the participating nations is to make it to the knockout stage in Malaga. The Final 8 will be a thrilling climax to the Davis Cup season, showcasing the top teams and players battling for the coveted title.
The 2024 Davis Cup Finals group stage is an exciting chapter in the rich history of this iconic tournament. With a blend of established stars and rising talent, it promises to be a memorable spectacle for tennis fans worldwide. Stay tuned for the latest news, results, and highlights from the 'World Cup of Tennis'.
