Brazil defeated Mexico in the Americas Inter-Zonal final, India defeated Japan in the Eastern Inter-Zonal final, and Czechoslovakia and Romania were the winners of the two Europe Zones, defeating Spain and West Germany respectively.

Romania were then defeated by the defending champions the United States in the Challenge Round.

The final was played at the Olde Providence Racquet Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States on 8–11 October.

[1][2][3] 1971 was the last year the Davis Cup was played under the Challenge Round format.

South Africa was excluded from the tournament as part of the growing international opposition to its apartheid policies.