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McEnroe Stays US Team Captain

In quest for the end of a title drought that began in 1995, the U.S. David Cup team extended team captain Patrick McEnroe`s contract by two more years. The Americans lost to the Russian team last month in the semi-finals. It was the second time the team under McEnroe made it to the semis. In his six years as captain, the United States reached the finals once, in 2004, but lost that series.

The Davis cup began in 1900, and in the 100 plus years since the U.S. team won 31 titles. The current drought is the longest since the competition began. At the same time, McEnroe, 40, is on his way to establish a new legacy. If he remains in the job through 2008, he would tie Tom Gorman (1986-93) for the longest tenure as U.S. captain.

The next season of Davis Cup play opens with a first-round series against the Czech Republic February 9-11. The Czechs will choose the surface, expected to be clay. McEnroe said Monday that he hoped to have the top Americans available to compete. The elite group includes Andy Roddick, James Blake and doubles Bob and Mike Bryan.