The Davis Cup is the trophy officially associated with the International Lawn Tennis Challenge.
The competition began in 1900 as an international men’s team contest between the United States and the British Isles. It was initially called the International Lawn Tennis Challenge, while the trophy was donated by American tennis player Dwight F. Davis. The event soon became popularly known as the Davis Cup, after the name engraved in sporting history by Davis’s donated silver trophy.
The first contest was held at the Longwood Cricket Club in Boston, Massachusetts. Davis also played for the victorious American team, which won the opening tie against Britain. The competition later expanded to include nations from around the world and became the premier annual international team event in men’s tennis.
A common mix-up is treating the International Lawn Tennis Challenge as a separate modern tournament. It was the original title of what is now called the Davis Cup. The trophy is also nicknamed the Salad Bowl because of its distinctive large silver-bowl design.