Patrick McEnroe resigns as U.S. Davis Cup captain
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Patrick McEnroe, in his 10th year as U.S. Davis Cup Captain, announced his resignation Monday morning during a news conference at the Billie Jean King U.S. National Tennis Center, site of the current U.S. Open.
McEnroe, who led the team to its record 32nd Davis Cup victory in 2007, said he was stepping aside because of the need to spend more time in his position as general manager of the U.S. Tennis Assn.’s Player Development Program. McEnroe is also a network television tennis commentator. He had a 16-9 record as captain.
McEnroe will retain his captaincy through the Sept. 17-19 World Group playoff in Bogata, Colombia. He announced his team for that: Mardy Fish, Sam Querrey, John Isner and Ryan Harrison. He later indicated that this did not necessarily mean the breakup of the long-standing Davis Cup team of Andy Roddick, James Blake and doubles players Bob and Mike Bryan. McEnroe said that the altitude in Colombia prompted him to choose more singles players this time. He will form a doubles team from the announced foursome.
“It’s mixed emotions for me because of what Davis Cup has meant to me for 10 years, to the players that have supported it,” McEnroe said. “But I feel now is a good time for a transition. I can focus on my professional energies, player development and will obviously still be involved with the team, who plays, and supporting guys that are part of the team.”
Among those immediately expressing interest in the U.S. captaincy was Jim Courier, former No. 1 player and twice winner of the Australian and French Open titles.
In a statement released by CBS Sports, where Courier serves as a tennis analyst, Courier said: “Davis Cup means the world to me, and at some point in my life I certainly hope to have that seat.”
-- Bill Dwyre
