Tennis News: Indian Davis Cup challenge becomes tougher

In yet another modification in the Davis Cup format, the world governing body ITF has abolished the Group I and II at the regional level competition, making India's road to the Qualifiers even tougher. From 2020, the Indian team will have to contend with superior European, South and North American nations in order to qualify. As of now, there are four Groups -- I, II, III, IV -- in each of the three zones which are Americas, Asia/Oceania, and European/Africa. As per the new format, Group I and II will not be there from 2020 onwards and instead a 24-team World Group I and a 24-team World Group II will be formed. India's non-playing captain Mahesh Bhupathi said "It's interesting but obviously, it will be tougher for us. We were always dominant in Asia.