Pro Media & News

Courier says USA has the chemistry, ability to win Davis Cup

Ashley Marshall | July 12, 2016


U.S. Davis Cup captain Jim Courier believes Team USA is capable of lifting the trophy this year, despite not having a Top 10 player on its squad.

 

Speaking at the pre-draw press conference ahead of Friday's Davis Cup quarterfinal with Croatia, Courier said team chemistry, combined with the hometown support, will be enough to send America to September's semifinals against either France or the Czech Republic.

 

Here are some quick hits from media day in Portland.

 

Captain Jim Courier on the possibility of winning the Davis Cup:

 

“Well, I think Davis Cup is also pretty unique in that the home-field advantage can play a big role. We've played a lot of tough teams, some home, but a lot on the road as well. For us to have a chance now to play here against a tough team in Croatia, and should we get through this weekend, which we obviously are here to do, and hope to, we'd have a home match against France or the Czechs.

 

"You pay your dues in Davis Cup. You go on the road and try and get your wins, but you also earn the chance to play at home by playing those matches, too. Draws matter. Team chemistry and makeup matters. We have four guys here that love to play for their country. I have a lot of confidence in them as the captain, which is why we're sitting here. I believe we can win this Davis Cup. I think this year is a really good opportunity for us. We can't go more than one step at a time, but it certainly looks promising if we can get through this weekend.”

 

John Isner on the Family Fun Fair held at Tualatin Hills Tennis Center:

 

“It was a lot of fun. I think the best part, the most rewarding part, is seeing all the smiles on all the kids' faces. Playing on the short court, everyone is able to hit the ball over the net with the soft balls. It was a good time. I felt like everyone had a good time, including us. Like I said, a lot of smiles all around. That's what I liked about it.”

 

Jack Sock on returning to the U.S. after playing Wimbledon:

 

“Obviously we were all in London for a while, even playing warm-up tournaments, some of the guys. We were all excited to get back in the States for sure. Our favorite time of the year is to play in front of the home crowd here in the States. Especially for me, it's my first home tie. I played two ties kind of far away. For me, it will be nice to play in front of a home crowd and be on a team with all these guys. I think we're all looking forward to it.”

 

Mike Bryan on playing doubles and representing the U.S.:

 

“I think it's just a lot more exciting to be with a bunch of guys that you're playing for. They got your back, you got their back. It just adds more fun to the competition. When you're playing for yourself, you're winning and losing for yourself. To add that added emphasis to do it for your captain and teammates is why we love playing Davis Cup. Then you put the country on top, it makes it extra special.”

 

Captain Courier on the strengths of his team:

 

“It's pretty clear what our strengths are. Bob and Mike on the court are just so complete. They move in sync. They make it very difficult for other teams to hit winners. They extract a lot of errors. Bob and Mike will do their normal dance out there, which is a thing of beauty to watch. It's been incredible to be a captain and witness what they're able to do for us.

"Jack and John, although the heights are a little bit different, the style and the strengths are very similar. Serves and forehands are the shots. They're the ones that will cause opponents to lose sleep. That gives me great comfort as a captain because that was my bread and butter, too. I think I have a pretty good understanding of how they need to play and what they do on the court well."

 

Bob Bryan on visiting Portland:

 

“I got in Friday. I went to Washington Park. I saw the zoo, which was impressive. I've been to zoos all over the world. The Oregon zoo is one of the best. The kids really enjoyed it. We got a lot of stuff lined up for this week with practice, gym, dinners. I'll be focused on that. My wife, kids and parents will be running around town doing the sight-seeing. We're out of here Monday. I'm not going to be the sightseer, but maybe next time.”

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