Ricci Bitti, the 73-year-old who has led the governing body since 1999, has made clear he would not stand for what would be a fifth term in office over recent weeks, and this has now been officially confirmed by the ITF.

The deadline for nominations is May 25, it has been confirmed.

A spokesman explained to insidethegames how the Italian has informed the ITF Board of Directors and National Associations that he will not be standing for re-election at the Annual General Meeting in Santiago on September 25.

They are "aware of speculation in the press regarding potential candidates", the statement added, "but the ITF will not be issuing any statement regarding the candidates until the ITF Board of Directors has approved the list of candidates after the deadline in accordance with the ITF Constitution".

All India Tennis Association and Asian Tennis Federation (ATF) head Khanna was proposed by the ATF in March, while United States Tennis Association chief Haggerty and Swiss Tennis Association President Stammbach have also indicated willingness to stand.

Spain's ITF executive vice-president Margets has now also thrown his hat into the ring this week, declaring his priority as restoring the reputation of the Davis Cup and Fed Cup but through gradual reforms rather than sweeping changes.

“My proposal is reform, realistic evolution, not revolution," he told Deutsche Presse-Agentur.

"I think that is not necessary.

"The Davis Cup and the Fed Cup need to improve a few things to turn them into more global products.”

The vote will bring to an end a 16-year long era under Ricci Bitti's tenure, during which the sport has consolidated its position on the Summer Olympic programme, leading to the success of the London 2012 edition in which the men's singles title was won by home favourite Andy Murray.

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