The 2009 Davis Cup Final concludes today in Barcelona as Spain plays host to the Czech Republic. As part of the celebration of the final, WorldTennisMagazine.com is presenting a special look at some of the best moments in the history of the Davis Cup, courtesy of the book ON THIS DAY IN TENNIS HISTORY ($19.95, New Chapter Press, www.TennisHistoryBook.com). Each day, WorldTennisMagazine.com will present the anniversaries of some of the best matches from the event.
ON THIS DAY IN TENNIS HISTORY – December 6
1992 – Jim Courier, the No. 1 player in the world, clinches the 30th Davis Cup title for the United States defeating Jakob Hlasek 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 to give the United States a 3-1 victory over Switzerland in the Davis Cup Final in Ft. Worth, Texas. Says Courier following the title-clinching win, “There is certainly nothing like winning for a team. It’s not something we get to do too often as tennis players. Hopefully we’ll win this thing for the next eight or nine years.” Adds U.S. Davis Cup Captain Tom Gorman of his team’s performance, “They felt very proud to be in the final and they were going to make sure they did themselves proud. They had their entire country behind them.” Following his victory Courier is carried off the court by his teammates John McEnroe, Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi and team support staff. All four players then take victory laps around the court waving the American flag.
1957 – Gardnar Mulloy becomes the oldest American to win a Davis Cup match at the age of 44 years and 14 days when he and Vic Seixas defeat Felicissimo Ampon and Raymudo Deyro 6-1, 6-3, 6-2 to give the U.S. a match-clinching 3-0 lead over the Philippines in the Davis Cup Inter-zonal first round at Memorial Drive in Adelaide, Australia.