Billie Jean King Supports Combining Women’s Cup and Davis Cup into World Cup of Tennis

In a recent interview, tennis legend Billie Jean King expressed her support for combining the women’s cup competition named after her with the men’s Davis Cup to create a unified World Cup of tennis. Both team events are set to conclude next month, with the Billie Jean King Cup finals scheduled in Seville from 7 to 12 November, followed by the Davis Cup from 21 to 26 November.

King emphasized the importance of having a World Cup for tennis, as it is a concept that is universally understood. She believes that the country versus country format would resonate with fans around the world. As someone who has won 39 Grand Slam titles, King firmly believes in the power of bringing men and women together in tennis. She believes that by combining the tournaments, they can enhance the overall experience and put more focus on both the men’s and women’s competitions. King stated, “I think people like it when we are all happy together.”

However, King acknowledges that there are numerous challenges and questions that would need to be addressed before merging the two tournaments into one. The tournament director, Conchita Martinez, also expressed her support for the idea, underlining the importance of ensuring equal time on show courts and the same access to practice courts for women.

Both the Billie Jean King Cup and the Davis Cup are already marketed as ‘the World Cup of tennis,’ with the Davis Cup Finals featuring eight teams in the knockout stage. However, it is worth noting that none of the world’s top four players will be competing in Seville. Belarusian player Aryna Sabalenka will be absent due to her country’s ban from team competitions following the invasion of Ukraine. Additionally, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, and Jessica Pegula will also be missing because of scheduling conflicts. The WTA Finals, a prestigious event for women’s tennis, will be taking place in Cancun, Mexico, the week before the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Spain, making it logistically challenging for top players to participate in both tournaments.

When asked about the absence of these star players, King redirected the question to the WTA, stating that they were the ones who scheduled their finals just a few weeks before the Billie Jean King Cup Finals. She believes that there should be better coordination and planning to create a more favorable calendar for players, without having to make such difficult decisions late in the season.

Despite the challenges, King and Martinez are passionate about the benefits of team competitions. Martinez, a former Wimbledon champion, believes that playing as a team creates a unique bond among players and provides a different experience compared to individual tournaments. She highlights the importance of leaving egos aside and playing for one’s country. Both King and Martinez believe that players, especially younger ones, should appreciate the value and joy of representing their country in team competitions.

In conclusion, Billie Jean King’s support for combining the women’s cup and the Davis Cup into a World Cup of tennis reflects her belief in the power of unity in the sport. While there are challenges to overcome, such as scheduling and logistics, King and Martinez emphasize the value of team competitions and the unique experiences they offer to players. The idea of a unified World Cup of tennis could potentially bring more excitement and attention to both men’s and women’s tennis, showcasing the best talents from around the globe on a grand stage.