After eight years at the helm, Jim Courier announced he is stepping down as captain of the U.S. Davis Cup team. He informed the USTA of his decision following the U.S. vs. Croatia Davis Cup semifinal earlier this month in Croatia.
“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.”
The Florida resident was appointed in October 2010 as the 40th captain in Team USA’s storied history, and he concludes a successful eight-year run with a 10-8 record in World Group play. The former world No. 1 singles player led the team to two World Group semifinal appearances, in 2012 and 2018, and reached the World Group quarterfinals six times, maintaining the team’s position in the World Group throughout his reign.
“Following the matches with Croatia, I let the players and staff know this was my final year as captain of the U.S. Davis Cup team,” Courier said. “It’s been my honor and privilege to represent the USTA and USA as a player and captain. I look forward to cheering the team on as they pursue the cup in its new format next year and beyond.”
The U.S. is already into the 18-team main field under the new 2019 format, automatically qualifying as a semifinalist from this year.
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). John Isner proved to be Courier’s most reliable charge, compiling a 14-7 record under his leadership, including 10 wins in live rubbers.
As a player Courier lifted the Davis Cup trophy twice, in 1992 and 1995, and 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.
A new U.S. Davis Cup captain will be determined in the coming months by the USTA.
“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 captain,” said USTA Player Development General Manager Martin Blackman.
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