The 2009 Davis Cup Final continues 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 5
1992 – John McEnroe plays what ends up to be his final Davis Cup match as he and Pete Sampras defeat Jakob Hlasek and Marc Rosset 6-7 (5), 6-7 (7), 7-5, 6-1, 6-2 in 4 hours, 18 minutes to give the United States an important 2-1 lead over Switzerland in the Davis Cup Final in Ft. Worth, Texas. The match is highlighted by the fiery tenacity of McEnroe, whose fist-pumps – and volleying and return of serve prowess – leads the U.S. comeback. After McEnroe’s forehand return of serve to Rosset’s feet gives the U.S. the third set, the four-time U.S. Open champion has an adrenaline-induced “win one for the Gipper” tirades in the U.S. locker room during the then traditional Davis Cup match-break between the third and fourth sets. Says Sampras of McEnroe’s locker room antics, “Mac was just ranting and raving. He was getting pumped up. `Let’s kick some….’ It was on that level.” Says Hlasek of his team’s fourth and fifth set fade away, “I think we ran out of steam.”