DAVIS CUP 1999
BIRMINGHAM, England---It definitely was a sweet moment when Jim Courier lifted team USA to advance to the
quarter-finals of the 1999 Davis Cup competition against Great Britain. Courier defeated Tim Henman in a 4-hour, 12-minute marathon match in the early singles round.
The US went up 2-0 after Todd Martin got rid of Greg Rusedski, but the Brits fought back to win the doubles
match. Martin faced Henman and tried to win it for the US but ultimately failed. And so, Jim took the
opportunity again, to try and win for his country. And yes, HE DID! He defeated Rusedski 6-4, 6-7 (3-7), 6-3, 1-6,
8-6 to clinch the 1st round victory for the US. "This is as good as it gets,'' Courier said.
"The guys in the locker room all said that this is the highest level of tennis that they have been part of in Davis
Cup. It was incredibly competitive and thrilling. This was the kind of match that gets the kids out wanting to play
tennis.''
US team captain Tom Gullikson was all-praise for Courier's amazing performance. "There is no one I would rather
have had play the fifth match,'' Gullikson said. "Jim's won the fifth match for us many times. This it the guy you want there when it is crunch time. Nobody when he puts his game face
on has all the mental focus that Jim has when he has the mindset that he had today. Of all the players I've had the honor of setting next to at the Davis Cup, I think that
mentally Jim is the best.'' Way to go JIM!
* The US will face Australia in the quarter-finals which will be held in Boston, USA*
