1904 International Lawn Tennis Challenge
Encyclopedia
The 1904 International Lawn Tennis Challenge was the fourth edition of what is now known as the Davis Cup
, and the first edition to be played outside of American
soil. As defending champions, the British Isles team
played host to the competition, which featured teams from Belgium
and France
for the first time. Belgium and France would play for the right to challenge the British Isles for the cup. The ties were played at Worple Road (the former site of the All England Club
) in Wimbledon, London
, United Kingdom
from 27 June to 5 July. Despite Malcolm Whitman
giving his word that an American team would enter, the Americans failed to make a challenge before the 7 March deadline.
Davis Cup
The Davis Cup is the premier international team event in men's tennis. It is run by the International Tennis Federation and is contested between teams of players from competing countries in a knock-out format. The competition began in 1900 as a challenge between Britain and the United States. By...
, and the first edition to be played outside of American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
soil. As defending champions, the British Isles team
Great Britain Davis Cup team
The Great Britain Davis Cup team represents the United Kingdom in Davis Cup tennis competition and is controlled by the Lawn Tennis Association. The United Kingdom played in the very first International Lawn Tennis Challenge...
played host to the competition, which featured teams from Belgium
Belgium Davis Cup team
The Belgium Davis Cup team represents Belgium in Davis Cup tennis competition and are governed by the Royal Belgian Tennis Federation.Belgium finished as runner-up in 1904.Belgium returned to the World Group in 2007 after 3 years absence.-Current team:...
and France
France Davis Cup team
The France Davis Cup team represents France in Davis Cup tennis competition, and is governed by the Fédération Française de Tennis.France is the third most successful nation, with 9 wins...
for the first time. Belgium and France would play for the right to challenge the British Isles for the cup. The ties were played at Worple Road (the former site of the All England Club
All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club
The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club , also known as the All-England Club, based at Aorangi Park, Wimbledon, London, England, is a private members club. It is best known as the venue for the Wimbledon Championships, the only Grand Slam tennis event still held on grass...
) in Wimbledon, London
Wimbledon, London
Wimbledon is a district in the south west area of London, England, located south of Wandsworth, and east of Kingston upon Thames. It is situated within Greater London. It is home to the Wimbledon Tennis Championships and New Wimbledon Theatre, and contains Wimbledon Common, one of the largest areas...
, United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
from 27 June to 5 July. Despite Malcolm Whitman
Malcolm Whitman
Malcolm "Mal" Douglass Whitman was a male American tennis player.Whitman is best known for this hat trick at the U.S. Championships. Between 1898 and 1900, he stayed undefeated there...
giving his word that an American team would enter, the Americans failed to make a challenge before the 7 March deadline.