1923 International Lawn Tennis Challenge

The 1923 International Lawn Tennis Challenge was the 18th edition of what is now known as the Davis Cup. For the first time, the competition would be split into two zones: the America Zone and the Europe Zone. This change was necessitated by having more than 16 teams compete for the cup (thus not fitting into one easily workable draw). The past several years had also seen a rise in the number of defaults, as teams from around the globe tried to work out the logistics of playing such an international tournament. Regional zones would help alleviate these problems.

The Europe Zone consisted of 13 teams (although Romania would default their first-round tie). The America Zone was made up of 4 teams, with only one of these teams, Canada, actually located in the Americas. (The United States, as defending champions, were automatically qualified for the final, Challenge Round). Oddly, Argentina would compete in the Europe Zone. The winners of the Zones met in an Inter-Zonal playoff, with the winner challenging the United States for the championship.

Australia would defeat France in the Inter-Zonal play-off, but would once again fall to the United States in the challenge round. The final was played at the West Side Tennis Club in New York City, United States on 31 August – 3 September.


Read more about 1923 International Lawn Tennis Challenge:  Inter-Zonal Zone, Challenge Round

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