USTA Press Release, September 27, 2018
The USTA today announced that Jim Courier is stepping down as Captain of the U.S. Davis Cup Team after eight years in the position. Courier informed the USTA of his decision following the U.S. vs. Croatia Davis Cup Semifinal that took place 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.”
Courier 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, including four shutout victories. 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,” said Courier. “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.”
Making his debut in March 2011 in Chile, Courier selected Andy Roddick, John Isner, and Bob and Mike Bryan to compete in his first tie as captain, 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 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.
Captain Courier leaves Team USA in good stead, having earned automatic qualification into the new-format 2019 Davis Cup championship rounds by virtue of this year’s World Group Semifinal appearance. The 2019 Davis Cup will take place next November.
“I’ve known Jim for almost forty 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. “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.”
