ITF appoints Feliciano Lopez as 2023 Davis Cup Finals Tournament Director

Spanish tennis player Feliciano Lopez, who hopes to retire from Wimbledon if he receives an invitation to play, has been named the new director of the Davis Cup finals. He replaces his compatriot David Ferrer, who had held this position for a year.

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The 41-year-old former No. 12 player in the world already serves as Madrid's tournament director. Although he continues to play on the circuit. A three-time quarter-finalist at Wimbledon, Lopez is set to play in the grass-court Mallorca Championships beginning 25 June.

"I have some special memories of playing in this competition so I am very happy to be taking a leading role in delivering these events. As tournament director, my sole focus will be to build on the recent success of the competition and make it the best it can be for players and supporters across the world." Lopez said in the ITF announcement.

This season, the Davis Cup group stage will take place from September 12-17 in Bologna, Manchester, Valencia and Croatia. The final phase will begin on November 21 in Malaga. Four teams will play in a round-robin format at each event. The top two teams in each group will progress to the Final 8.

The Spaniard, 580th in the world this week, will indeed put an end to his career. He has seven tournament victories, eleven lost finals, the record for the number of consecutive Grand Slam tournaments (68) and four Davis Cups won (in 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2019).

"He is a Davis Cup legend and embodies everything the competition is about — passion, entertainment and pride in representing your country." ITF president David Haggerty said.

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The Davis Cup was included as an official part of the ATP calendar under an agreement last year between the ITF and the men's tour. Attendance in February's qualifying events was up 10%.

Meanwhile, Spain and Serbia are together in Group C, setting up a possible meeting between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic. The Czech Republic and South Korea are also in the group, which will play in Valencia. While the United States will face Croatia, Finland, and the Netherlands in Group D. That group will be hosted by Croatia, although the city and venue have yet to be announced. Defending champion Canada is in Group A along with Italy, Sweden, and Chile — playing in Bologna. Group B consists of host Britain, Australia, France, and Switzerland, and will play in Manchester.

The top two teams in each group advance to the Final 8 tournament. A record 155 nations entered the competition this year.