Tennis witnesses change in U.S. Davis Cup Captain

After serving 10 years as tennis's U.S. Davis Cup Captain Patrick McEnroe has stepped down. McEnroe, the 38th captain of the Davis Cup, will be replaced by 1990's Davis Cup star, Jim Courier. For non-tennis followers, the Davis Cup is an international team event in men's tennis run by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) .  The United States has had the most tournament wins, with 32 victories, and most finishes as runner-up, with 29 times. Spain won the Davis Cup last year so the resignation of McEnroe may be Courier's chance to bring the Davis Cup back to the U.S. as captain.


McEnroe (left) will leave the Davis Cup Captain role to Courier (right)

The New York Times story on the captain change showed both player's respect for McEnroe and the excitement of Courier's arrival. Players like Andre Agassi called Courier “an inspired choice.” ESPN also ran the captain change story where Andy Roddick, 2003 U.S. Open Champion, tweeted: "jim courier new davis cup captain.... great choice!" In the same article Agassi also said "Jim has the experience, integrity and focus needed to bring the U.S. Davis Cup to new heights. I know firsthand that a man with Jim's credentials as a warrior and a champion will bring out the best in our players and our fans." Agassi is referring to Courier's excellence and dominance of the tennis world.  Courier won four Grand Slam singles titles and he holds the record for being the youngest person to have reached the finals of all four Grand Slam singles tournaments. In the Davis Cup alone Courier helped lead the U.S. to titles twice in '92 and '95. Courier holds a 13-1 record in Davis Cup championship play. With these kind of credentials and this kind of confidence from players, that Courier hopes will commit themselves to the 2011 Davis Cup Championship, Courier and the U.S. team look positive to come out of the championship with gold.

Top U.S. players Roddick (left) and Agassi (Right) are excited about
Courier as new Davis Cup Captain