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Courier steps down as U.S. Davis Cup captain

Ashley Marshall | September 27, 2018


Jim Courier announced he will step down from his position as U.S. Davis Cup captain after a successful eight-year run in which he led Team USA to two semifinal and six quarterfinal appearances.
 

The former world No. 1, a two-time Davis Cup champion as a player in 1992 and 1995, notified the USTA, the players and his staff of his decision following Team USA’s semifinal defeat in Croatia earlier this month.

 

Only Patrick McEnroe, who served as captain for 10 years between 2001 and 2010, served for more years as U.S. Davis Cup captain than Courier, whose 10 wins are tied for the seventh-most all time.

 

Courier’s replacement has not been named, although the U.S. will not play again until November 2019, when the new Davis Cup format begins. As a semifinalist in 2018, Team USA automatically qualified for the 2019 final.

 

“We thank Jim for his commitment to excellence and to the Davis Cup team,” said USTA Chairman of the Board and President Katrina Adams. “I have been proud to travel the world with Jim and watch first hand as he delivered the highest level of integrity and devotion to success.”

 

Courier was appointed in October 2010 as the 40th captain in Team USA’s storied history, and he concludes an eight-year run with a 10-8 record in World Group play. Courier led the team to semifinal appearances in 2012 and 2018, and he maintained the team’s position in the World Group throughout his reign.


"It’s been my honor and privilege to represent the USTA and USA as a player and captain,” said Courier. “I look forward to cheering the team on as they pursue the cup in its new format next year and beyond.”
 

Courier succeeded McEnroe, who ended his 10-year tenure as U.S. Davis Cup captain in September 2010.

 

Making his debut as captain in March 2011 in Santiago, Chile, Courier selected Andy Roddick, John Isner and Bob and Mike Bryan to compete in his first tie, a 4-1 World Group first-round victory. A total of 11 Americans played for the four-time Grand Slam champion, a list that also includes Mardy Fish, Ryan Harrison, Sam Querrey, Donald Young, Steve Johnson, Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe.
 

Four of those men were handed their Davis Cup debuts by Courier – Young (2014), Sock (2015), Johnson (2015) and Tiafoe (2018). Isner proved to be Courier’s most reliable charge, compiling a 14-7 record under his leadership, including 10 wins in live rubbers. All eight of the men who played in more than three matches under Courier produced winning records.

 

As a player, Courier held a 17-10 overall record. The U.S. team was 13-1 in ties in which Courier played, and he clinched victory by winning a decisive fifth rubber on three occasions.

 

"I've known Jim for almost 40 years, enjoying his friendship and admiring the steel will and unrelenting work ethic that made him a great champion and a great leader as Davis Cup captain,” said USTA Player Development General Manager Martin Blackman. “The role of Davis Cup captain requires an individual that embodies the character qualities of a Team USA champion and one who is willing to put the work in, to get the job done. Captain Courier fulfilled both roles, and American tennis is all the better for it."

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