Welcome!

Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.

Davis Cup Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

Home Return to Study Hints Random
Global Score: 0
Trophies: 0 🏆

‹ Back

Score: 0 / 100

Study Guide: The Davis Cup: History, Structure, and Records

Cheat Sheet:
The Davis Cup: History, Structure, and Records Study Guide

Origins and Early History (1900-1922)

The Davis Cup was originally known as the 'International Lawn Tennis Challenge' and was founded in 1900, with its trophy donated by Dwight F. Davis.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source states the Davis Cup was founded in 1900 as the 'International Lawn Tennis Challenge' and that Dwight F. Davis donated the trophy.

Return to Game

Dwight F. Davis was primarily responsible for conceiving the idea and format of the international tennis competition, in addition to donating the trophy.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Dwight F. Davis donated the trophy, the source indicates that the idea for the competition was likely conceived by James Dwight, and Davis's involvement in devising the format was negligible.

Return to Game

The first Davis Cup match in 1900 saw Great Britain defeat the United States, despite the American team being captained by Dwight Davis.

Answer: False

Explanation: The United States, captained by Dwight Davis, won the first three matches against Great Britain in the inaugural 1900 Davis Cup.

Return to Game

By 2023, the Davis Cup had expanded to include teams from 155 nations, solidifying its status as the world's largest annual team sporting event.

Answer: True

Explanation: By 2023, the Davis Cup had indeed expanded to include 155 nations, confirming its status as the world's largest annual team sporting event.

Return to Game

Who is credited with likely conceiving the initial idea for an international tennis competition between British and American players?

Answer: James Dwight

Explanation: James Dwight, the first president of the U.S. National Lawn Tennis Association, is credited with likely conceiving the initial idea for an international tennis competition.

Return to Game

What was Dwight F. Davis's primary contribution to the Davis Cup's inception?

Answer: He donated the sterling silver punchbowl trophy for the competition.

Explanation: Dwight F. Davis's primary contribution to the Davis Cup's inception was donating the sterling silver punchbowl trophy.

Return to Game

Which two countries competed in the very first Davis Cup match in 1900?

Answer: United States and Great Britain

Explanation: The United States and Great Britain (competing as 'British Isles') competed in the very first Davis Cup match in 1900.

Return to Game

By 1905, which combined team representing two nations had joined the Davis Cup competition?

Answer: Australasia

Explanation: By 1905, Australasia, a combined team representing Australia and New Zealand, had joined the Davis Cup competition.

Return to Game

Format Evolution and Key Milestones (1923-1989)

Before 1973, professional players like Rod Laver and Ken Rosewall were permitted to compete in the Davis Cup if they were nationally registered professionals.

Answer: False

Explanation: Before 1973, only amateurs and national registered professional players were permitted to compete. Contract professionals, such as Rod Laver and Ken Rosewall, were specifically excluded until 1973.

Return to Game

The 'Eastern Zone' was added to the Davis Cup format in 1955, leading to a bye for one zone winner in the Inter-Zonal Zone challenger rounds.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'Eastern Zone' was indeed added to the Davis Cup format in 1955, and its introduction resulted in one zone winner receiving a bye in the first round of the Inter-Zonal Zone challenger rounds.

Return to Game

Australia dominated the Davis Cup from 1950 to 1967, winning 15 titles in 18 years.

Answer: True

Explanation: Australia indeed dominated the Davis Cup from 1950 to 1967, securing 15 titles within that 18-year period.

Return to Game

In 1972, the Davis Cup format changed to a knockout competition, requiring the defending champion to compete in all rounds.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Davis Cup format was changed in 1972 to a knockout competition, which mandated that the defending champion participate in all rounds, rather than receiving a bye to the final.

Return to Game

The 1974 Davis Cup final was notable because it was the first time a non-traditional power like South Africa won the cup, defeating India in a closely contested match.

Answer: False

Explanation: South Africa was awarded the 1974 Davis Cup not by defeating India in a match, but because India refused to travel to South Africa in protest of its apartheid policies.

Return to Game

The tiered system of competition, including the 'World Group' for the 16 best national teams, was introduced in 1989.

Answer: False

Explanation: The tiered system of competition, including the 'World Group' for the 16 best national teams, was introduced in 1981, not 1989.

Return to Game

In 1989, the tiebreak was introduced into Davis Cup competition, and from 2016, it is used in all five sets.

Answer: True

Explanation: The tiebreak was indeed introduced into Davis Cup competition in 1989, and since 2016, it has been applied in all five sets when necessary.

Return to Game

When did the Davis Cup competition first divide the world's teams into geographical zones?

Answer: 1923

Explanation: The Davis Cup competition first divided the world's teams into geographical zones in 1923, with the introduction of the 'America Zone' and the 'Europe Zone'.

Return to Game

Which country dominated the Davis Cup from 1950 to 1967, winning 15 titles?

Answer: Australia

Explanation: Australia dominated the Davis Cup from 1950 to 1967, winning 15 titles during that period.

Return to Game

What significant format change occurred in the Davis Cup in 1972?

Answer: The defending champion no longer had a bye to the final.

Explanation: In 1972, a significant format change occurred in the Davis Cup, transforming it into a knockout competition that required the defending champion to compete in all rounds.

Return to Game

Why was South Africa awarded the Davis Cup in 1974?

Answer: India refused to travel to South Africa in protest of apartheid policies.

Explanation: South Africa was awarded the Davis Cup in 1974 because India refused to travel to South Africa to compete in protest of its apartheid policies.

Return to Game

When was the 'World Group' for the 16 best national teams first introduced in the Davis Cup?

Answer: 1981

Explanation: The 'World Group' for the 16 best national teams was first introduced in the Davis Cup in 1981 as part of a new tiered competition system.

Return to Game

Modern Format and Governance (1989-Present)

The 2018 ITF vote changed the Davis Cup format to an 18-team event held at multiple locations over several weeks at the end of the season.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 2018 ITF vote did change the Davis Cup format to an 18-team event, but it was designed to be held at *one location* over a *single week* at the end of the season, not multiple locations over several weeks.

Return to Game

As of January 2023, the ITF announced it had ended its partnership with the new promoter for the Davis Cup and would be taking back control of the event.

Answer: True

Explanation: The ITF did announce on January 12, 2023, that its partnership with the new promoter for the Davis Cup had concluded, and it would be resuming control of the event.

Return to Game

Russia and Belarus were suspended from the Davis Cup competition in 2022 due to their involvement in the Israel–Gaza conflict.

Answer: False

Explanation: Russia and Belarus were suspended from the Davis Cup in 2022, but this action was taken in response to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, not the Israel–Gaza conflict.

Return to Game

What major change was made to the Davis Cup format from 2019 onwards, following an ITF vote in 2018?

Answer: It transformed into an 18-team event held at one location over a single week.

Explanation: Following an ITF vote in 2018, the Davis Cup format was significantly changed from 2019 onwards to an 18-team event held at one location over a single week at the end of the season.

Return to Game

Which countries were suspended from the Davis Cup competition after the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine?

Answer: Russia and Belarus

Explanation: Russia and Belarus were suspended from the Davis Cup competition following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Return to Game

Competition Rules and Structure

The Davis Cup competition is spread over four weekends during the year, allowing for various rounds of play.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Davis Cup competition is structured to take place over four weekends throughout the year, facilitating multiple rounds of play.

Return to Game

In the Davis Cup, a 'tie' refers to an individual match, while a 'rubber' refers to the entire elimination round between two nations.

Answer: False

Explanation: The terminology is reversed: a 'tie' refers to the entire elimination round between two national teams, and a 'rubber' refers to an individual match within that tie.

Return to Game

The defending champion and the runner-up from the previous year are always designated as the top two seeds in the World Group.

Answer: True

Explanation: According to the seeding rules, the defending champion and the runner-up from the previous year are indeed always designated as the top two seeds in the World Group.

Return to Game

The losers of the first-round matches in the World Group are immediately relegated to a regional zone for the following year.

Answer: False

Explanation: Losers of the first-round matches in the World Group are sent to a playoff round, where they compete for their spot against winners from Group I of the regional zones, rather than being immediately relegated.

Return to Game

In a Davis Cup tie, the doubles rubber is typically played on the first day, followed by singles matches on the second and third days.

Answer: False

Explanation: The typical order of play in a Davis Cup tie is two singles matches on the first day, followed by the doubles rubber on the second day, and then two reverse singles matches on the third day.

Return to Game

A team captain can substitute players for the last two singles rubbers, provided no first-day matchup is repeated.

Answer: True

Explanation: Under current rules, a team captain is permitted to substitute players for the last two singles rubbers, with the condition that no first-day matchup is repeated.

Return to Game

Since 2011, if a nation establishes a winning 3–0 lead after the doubles match, the remaining two singles rubbers are not played.

Answer: False

Explanation: Since 2011, if a nation achieves a 3–0 lead after the doubles match, all five rubbers are still played. The remaining rubbers are only not played if a 3–1 lead is established after the first reverse singles match, and that match has gone to four sets or more.

Return to Game

The host country for a Davis Cup tie is determined by drawing lots if the two competing teams have not met since 1970.

Answer: True

Explanation: The host country for a Davis Cup tie is indeed determined by drawing lots if the two competing teams have not previously met since 1970.

Return to Game

Venues hosting World Group semifinals must have a minimum seating capacity of 12,000.

Answer: False

Explanation: Venues hosting World Group semifinals must have a minimum seating capacity of 8,000, while a 12,000 capacity is required for the World Group final.

Return to Game

In Group III and Group IV competitions, each tie consists of three rubbers played over two days, with all rubbers being best of five sets.

Answer: False

Explanation: In Group III and Group IV competitions, each tie consists of three rubbers played over a single day, and all rubbers are played as the best of three sets, not five.

Return to Game

What is the primary organization responsible for annually organizing the Davis Cup?

Answer: The International Tennis Federation (ITF)

Explanation: The International Tennis Federation (ITF) is the primary organization responsible for annually organizing the Davis Cup.

Return to Game

How many weekends during the year is the Davis Cup competition typically spread over?

Answer: Four weekends

Explanation: The Davis Cup competition is typically spread over four weekends throughout the year to accommodate its various rounds of play.

Return to Game

What is an 'elimination round' between competing nations in the Davis Cup referred to as?

Answer: A tie

Explanation: An 'elimination round' between competing nations in the Davis Cup is referred to as a 'tie'.

Return to Game

How are the top two seeds in the World Group typically determined?

Answer: The defending champion and the runner-up from the previous year.

Explanation: The top two seeds in the World Group are typically the defending champion and the runner-up from the previous year's competition.

Return to Game

What happens to the losers of the first-round matches in the World Group?

Answer: They are sent to the World Group playoff round.

Explanation: The losers of the first-round matches in the World Group are sent to the World Group playoff round, where they compete to avoid relegation.

Return to Game

What is the typical order of play for the five rubbers in a Davis Cup tie over three days?

Answer: Two singles, doubles, two reverse singles

Explanation: The typical order of play for the five rubbers in a Davis Cup tie over three days is two singles matches on day one, a doubles match on day two, and two reverse singles matches on day three.

Return to Game

Under current rules, what is a captain permitted to do regarding player substitutions for the last two singles rubbers?

Answer: Substitute any player, provided no first-day matchup is repeated.

Explanation: Under current rules, a captain is permitted to substitute any player from the nominated squad for the last two singles rubbers, provided that no first-day matchup is repeated.

Return to Game

According to the 'dead rubber' policy since 2011, when are all five rubbers still played even if a nation has clinched the tie?

Answer: If one nation has a winning 3–0 lead after the doubles match.

Explanation: According to the 'dead rubber' policy since 2011, all five rubbers are still played if one nation has established a winning 3–0 lead after the doubles match.

Return to Game

What is the minimum seating capacity required for venues hosting a World Group final?

Answer: 12,000

Explanation: The minimum seating capacity required for venues hosting a World Group final is 12,000.

Return to Game

How many rubbers typically constitute a tie in Group III and Group IV competitions?

Answer: Three rubbers

Explanation: In Group III and Group IV competitions, each tie typically consists of three rubbers.

Return to Game

Records, Statistics, and Rankings

The United States holds the record for the most Davis Cup titles, with a total of 32.

Answer: True

Explanation: The United States holds the record for the most Davis Cup titles, having won a total of 32 championships.

Return to Game

Italy won their third consecutive Davis Cup title in 2024, beating the Netherlands.

Answer: False

Explanation: Italy won their third Davis Cup title in 2024 by defeating the Netherlands, marking their second consecutive championship, not third.

Return to Game

Australia holds the record for the most consecutive Davis Cup titles, winning seven in a row from 1920 to 1926.

Answer: False

Explanation: The United States, not Australia, holds the record for the most consecutive Davis Cup titles, winning seven in a row from 1920 to 1926.

Return to Game

Roy Emerson of Australia holds the record for the most Davis Cup titles as a player, with 8 titles.

Answer: True

Explanation: Roy Emerson of Australia holds the record for the most Davis Cup titles as a player, having won 8 titles between 1959 and 1967.

Return to Game

Harry Hopman, captaining the Australian team, holds the record for the most Davis Cup titles as a captain, with 16 titles.

Answer: True

Explanation: Harry Hopman, who captained the Australian team, holds the record for the most Davis Cup titles as a captain, with an impressive 16 titles between 1939 and 1967.

Return to Game

Marco De Rossi of San Marino is the youngest player to have competed in the Davis Cup, at 13 years and 319 days old, and this age is still permitted under current rules.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Marco De Rossi is the youngest player to have competed, the current rules require players to be aged 14 and over to compete, meaning his age is no longer permitted.

Return to Game

Leander Paes of India holds the record for the most years played in the Davis Cup, participating for 30 years.

Answer: True

Explanation: Leander Paes of India holds the record for the most years played in the Davis Cup, having participated for 30 years.

Return to Game

Nicola Pietrangeli of Italy holds the record for playing the most individual matches, or 'rubbers,' in the Davis Cup, with 164 rubbers.

Answer: True

Explanation: Nicola Pietrangeli of Italy holds the record for playing the most individual matches, or 'rubbers,' in the Davis Cup, with a total of 164 rubbers.

Return to Game

As of September 15, 2025, the United States is ranked first in the ITF Davis Cup Nations Ranking.

Answer: False

Explanation: As of September 15, 2025, Italy is ranked first in the ITF Davis Cup Nations Ranking, not the United States.

Return to Game

Which country has won the most Davis Cup titles in the history of the competition?

Answer: United States

Explanation: The United States has won the most Davis Cup titles in the history of the competition, with a total of 32.

Return to Game

Who is the most recent Davis Cup champion, as of the information provided?

Answer: Italy

Explanation: As of the information provided, Italy is the most recent Davis Cup champion, having won their third title in 2024.

Return to Game

Which country holds the all-time record for the most consecutive Davis Cup titles?

Answer: United States

Explanation: The United States holds the all-time record for the most consecutive Davis Cup titles, winning seven in a row from 1920 to 1926.

Return to Game

Who holds the record for the most Davis Cup titles as a player?

Answer: Roy Emerson

Explanation: Roy Emerson of Australia holds the record for the most Davis Cup titles as a player, with 8 titles.

Return to Game

Who holds the record for the most Davis Cup titles as a captain?

Answer: Harry Hopman

Explanation: Harry Hopman, who captained the Australian team, holds the record for the most Davis Cup titles as a captain, with 16 titles.

Return to Game

What is the current age restriction for players to compete in the Davis Cup?

Answer: 14 and over

Explanation: Players must be aged 14 and over to compete in the Davis Cup under current rules.

Return to Game

Which player holds the record for the most years played in the Davis Cup?

Answer: Leander Paes

Explanation: Leander Paes of India holds the record for the most years played in the Davis Cup, participating for 30 years.

Return to Game

Who holds the record for playing the most individual matches, or 'rubbers,' in the Davis Cup?

Answer: Nicola Pietrangeli

Explanation: Nicola Pietrangeli of Italy holds the record for playing the most individual matches, or 'rubbers,' in the Davis Cup, with a total of 164 rubbers.

Return to Game

As of September 15, 2025, which nation is ranked first in the ITF Davis Cup Nations Ranking?

Answer: Italy

Explanation: As of September 15, 2025, Italy is ranked first in the ITF Davis Cup Nations Ranking.

Return to Game

Which of the following nations is NOT among the top 5 in the ITF Davis Cup Nations Ranking as of September 15, 2025?

Answer: France

Explanation: As of September 15, 2025, the top 5 nations in the ITF Davis Cup Nations Ranking are Italy, Australia, Germany, Netherlands, and the United States. France is not among them.

Return to Game