McEnroe quits as US Davis captain on eve of Colombia clash (Roundup)

Sep 6, 2010, 17:26 GMT

New York - American Davis Cup captain Patrick McEnroe dropped a bombshell to kick off the second week of the US Open Monday, resigning from his post after a decade at the helm.

The resignation takes effect after next weekend's relegation match against Colombia in the South American capital of Bogata.

McEnroe is the longest-tenured captain in US Davis history, leading the once-powerful Americans to a record 32nd Davis Cup title in 2007, their first title since 1995.

'It is with a heavy heart that I am resigning as Davis Cup captain, but it is a decision I felt was best for the team and myself right now,' said McEnroe, who still holds his position as head of player development for the American federation.

'Davis Cup is a significant time commitment and this decision will allow me to focus more energy on my family and to the USTA Player Development program.

'Obviously it's mixed emotions for me because of what Davis Cup has meant to me for ten years, to the players that have supported it.

'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.'

The captain compiled a 16-9 record thus far with his victory tally second all-time behind the 18 of Tom Gorman.

The resignation could not have come at a more inconvenient time, with the US heading into the Colombian hotbed without Andy Roddick and reportedly missing the formidable Bryan twins in doubles.

The only confirmed players for the tie - which will determine if the US stay in the elite World group for 2011 after losing the first round to Serbia - are Sam Querrey, Mardy Fish and John Isner. It's the first time since 2005, and just the fifth time since the World Group was instituted in 1981, that the US has had to compete in the play-off round.

McEnroe made his name as captain with a golden generation of players led by Roddick and James Blake, now languishing outside the Top 100. With the Bryans in doubles, the side played 10 consecutive ties until the 2008 semi-finals in Madrid against Spain.