Eurosport acquires Davis Cup rights for UK

MUMBAI: The International Tennis Federation has confirmed that British Eurosport has come on-board as the new broadcast partner for its flagship property, Davis Cup, in UK.

The two-year broadcast rights agreement will see Eurosport providing an exclusive coverage of the World Group ties till 2013.

The UK channel of Europe?s leading sports media group will also broadcast the Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Final and Hyundai Hopman Cup in 2012 and 2013.

In addition, British Eurosport will have live coverage from each of the AEGON GB Davis Cup Team?s 2012 Europe/Africa Zone Group I fixtures, including the first round tie against Slovak Republic in Glasgow on 10-12 February.

All matches from Davis Cup ties broadcast on the channel will also be streamed live via Eurosport?s online subscription service, Eurosport Player: eurosportplayer.co.uk

ITF executive director, commercial Jan Menneken said: "The ITF looks forward to working with British Eurosport to televise World Group and British Davis Cup by BNP Paribas matches, the Fed Cup Final and the Hopman Cup. This arrangement provides great exposure for the ITF?s major team competitions and gives British fans the chance to watch both the British team?s 2012 Davis Cup campaign and matches from the elite World Group for the next two years on British Eurosport."

The deal follows British Eurosport?s live coverage of Great Britain?s 2011 ties against Luxembourg and Turkey and adds to the channel?s portfolio of tennis rights which includes extensive coverage of the WTA Tour and selected ATP events, the British grass court tournaments in the lead up to Wimbledon and Grand Slam tournaments.

Eurosport UK MD David Kerr said: "We?re thrilled to be able to bring Eurosport viewers the unique drama of the Davis Cup. Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal provided some magical moments in recent finals and there?s sure to be more great drama and emotion in this year?s matches."