British Eurosport snags Davis Cup rights

Davis Cup tennis has a new home on UK television, with British Eurosport securing a two-year deal with the International Tennis Federation to broadcast exclusive coverage of the World Group ties. The UK channel of Europe’s leading sports media group will also broadcast the Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Final and 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: www.eurosportplayer.co.uk

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 The Championships at Wimbledon and Grand Slam tournaments

David Kerr, Managing Director, Eurosport UK 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.

“Following our broadcast of Great Britain’s successful campaign last year, we’re delighted to once again bring coverage of GB’s Davis Cup ties in what is an important year for the team as they seek qualification into the top tier, the elite World Group.

“Added to our exclusive coverage of the World Group ties, Fed Cup final and Hopman Cup secured for the next two years, UK tennis fans will be able to enjoy a stronger than ever tennis offer on British Eurosport.”

Lawrence Robertson, LTA Head of Commercial added: “This announcement is further indication of Eurosport’s commitment to tennis in the UK adding to their coverage of the LTA’s series of grass court events in the summer. We’re delighted to be able to partner with Eurosport to offer British tennis fans the opportunity to watch the AEGON GB Davis Cup Team throughout the course of what we hope will be a very successful season for Leon Smith’s team.”

British Eurosport is available on Sky 410 & Virgin Media 525. British Eurosport 2 is available on Sky 411 & Virgin Media 525. Also available online via Eurosport Player: www.eurosportplayer.co.uk