Courier named US Davis Cup captain

 

Originally published on: 27/10/10 17:18

Former world No.1 Jim Courier will take over the reins as US Davis Cup captain, it was announced today.

“It’s something that I certainly aspired to,” said Courier, a four-time Grand Slam champion. “I definitely thought that being the captain would be something that I’d enjoy, and now I get to see if I will.”

Courier, 40, is said to have beaten off a host of top coaches including Brad Gilbert, Todd Martin and Larry Stefanki to take over the role Patrick McEnroe vacated a month ago, and the former captain has praised the decision.

“Jim brings passion, but he understands you have let the players do their thing,” said McEnroe, who now works in player development with the United States Tennis Association.

USTA Chairman and President Lucy Garvin said in a statement: “Jim will continue to bring class and character to the role of US Davis Cup captain along with an outstanding pedigree in Davis Cup competition.”

The United States, a founding nation of the competition, has won the Davis Cup more times than any other nation, lifting the ‘salad bowl’ 32 times in all. However they have only captured one in the past 15 years back in 2007 – a drought which Courier will hope to rectify.

Courier’s first task as captain will be a World Group first round tie against Chile on March 4 2011.

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