McEnroe to step down from Davis Cup role

Patrick McEnroe has announced he will resign as captain of the United States’ Davis Cup team following their tie with Colombia later this month.

McEnroe, the younger brother of seven-time Grand Slam champion John, said he had decided to leave his position to concentrate on his family and player development.

The 44-year-old has led USA’s Davis Cup team for 10 years, during which time he won the coveted tournament once in 2007.

That success ended a period of 12 years without winning the trophy – the longest drought in the country’s history.

“Obviously 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 at the US Open.

“But I feel now is a good time for a transition, and I can focus on my professional energies, player development, and obviously will still be very involved with the team and who plays on the team and supporting the guys that are part of the team.”

McEnroe will leave the post with the second most wins as USA coach having led the team to 16 wins in 25 ties.

Victory in this month’s world group play-off against Colombia in Bogota – which the USA must win to remain in the top tier – would leave him just one win behind Tom Gorman’s record 18 wins.