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Fed Cup Billie Jean King Cup
Tennis News, Tennis Tournaments

ITF “surprised and disappointed” as Budapest withdraws as host of Billie Jean King Cup Finals


Budapest has been dropped as the host city of the Billie Jean King Cup Finals after its contract with the International Tennis Federation (ITF) was terminated.

The women’s team competition, previously known as the Fed Cup, was reformed in 2019 – when the Hungarian city won the right to host the inaugural edition.

That was set to take place in April 2020, but was postponed until April this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was then postponed again, with a new date – and now a new host city – yet to be agreed.

“We have been working closely with the Hungarian Government and the Hungarian Tennis Association (HTA) to review all feasible options to reschedule this year’s Finals,” said ITF president Dave Haggerty.

“After working together in good faith for the past year, we were surprised and disappointed to be informed that the HTA no longer considers it possible to hold the event in Budapest.

“Given the timing, the ITF has been left with no other option than to end the hosting agreement with Hungary and explore an alternative solution.

“The ITF will do everything in its power – for the sport, the players, nations, and the fans – to ensure this landmark competition in tennis and women’s sports will be held as soon as it is reasonably practicable.”

The new format will see 12 nations competing for the title in a week-long finals tournament.

France, Russia, Hungary, Australia, Belarus, Belgium, the United States, Spain, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Germany and Switzerland are the teams who have qualified.


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.