The ITF is adjusting its Davis Cup reforms following the sharply divided reaction to its original plans.
ITF President David Haggerty told the *Telegraph* that the new planned structure would begin with an initial round between 24 nations the week following the Australian Open, with the 12 winning nations joining the previous four semifinalist nations and two wild card nations in a one-week competition similar to the one originally submitted.
"We are looking at a round of 24 teams in home-and-away ties in February, in the week after the Australian Open, producing 12 winners," he said. "They would then go on to the November tournament, along with the four semi-finalists from the previous year, and two invited teams."
The investment group backing the project has been working with Haggerty and agreed to the changes, he indicated. The adjustment appears to be aimed at objections to the removal of home-and-away ties from several federations and players, who said the opportunity to play at home was among the chief attractions of the competition.
"It’s important for the national federations to be able to stage ties," Haggerty said. "It’s a way of promoting the sport and of connecting with fans."
Spain's quarterfinal win against Germany in Valencia, which featured Rafael Nadal and two five-set thrillers in front of thousands packed into a historic stadium, particularly seemed to galvanize opposition.
WATCH—Rafael Nadal beats Alexander Zverev in Davis Cup:
