TURIN, Italy (AP) — No Davis Cup tennis fans will be allowed in Innsbruck as Austria goes back into lockdown. Capacity will be at 60% in Turin, where Italian children will be occupying vast portions of the stands amid slow ticket sales. Attendance in Madrid will be at a maximum of 75%.
This isn’t likely what organizers had in mind for the return of the Davis Cup Finals amid yet another format change after last year’s edition was called off because of the coronavirus pandemic.
After the debut of the 18-team event was held entirely in Madrid over seven days in 2019, the main criticisms from players centered on late-night matches played before mostly empty arenas and not enough rest between matches. So organizers decided to spread this year’s tournament, which starts on Thursday, over three different cities and 11 days.
But with coronavirus cases rising again in Europe, that has become more complicated for tennis’ oldest team competition.