BLETHER: Explaining rules of Davis Cup tennis

Continuing our look at some of the readers’ queries in The Sporting Post.

SP Query — On September 20, 1991, ‘Deuce’ asked: Can you explain the way the Davis Cup is run?

SP Answer — The Davis Cup was donated by American tennis player Dwight F Davis in 1900 to be contested by national teams.

Since 1972, the competition has been on a knockout basis with countries divided into zonal groups.

There is a promotion and relegation system into World Groups of 16 nations, who then play-off for the cup.

Each match is contested over four singles games and one doubles match.