Agassi Rejoins US Davis Cup Team

The US Davis Cup Team, who was sent home from Seville, Spain with a disappointing loss in the Davis Cup Finals this past December, received a huge boost with the addition of Andre Agassi.

In a surprising turn of events, Andre Agassi joined the United States Davis Cup team for 2005 competition. It has been nearly five years since Agassi has played a US Davis Cup match and nearly 10 years since the US has taken home the cup. The last time they did (1995) Agassi was on the team.

For the past few years Captain Patrick McEnroe has tried to entice Agassi to return, but to no avail. Recently over dinner at one of the restaurants at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, McEnroe was able to change the eight grand slam title holder’s mind. "Andre's return to Davis Cup in Carson is a direct result of his keen interest in being a part of the camaraderie established by our young team of Andy Roddick and the Bryan brothers," said McEnroe. "

Concerned with the reaction from the young close knit team, prior to joining the team Agassi did contact all of the team members to get their reaction. "Over the last few weeks, I have had several conversations with Patrick McEnroe and all the members of the 2004 Davis Cup team," said Agassi. "As a result of those discussions, and their unwavering support, I have decided to play Davis Cup in 2005.”

Agassi who first played Davis Cup in 1988 has an overall 30-5 record in Davis Cup play and has only been a part of two Davis Cup tie losses for the Americans. Agassi is rejoining Davis Cup play as three top 10 players, Switzerland’s Roger Federer, Spain’s Carlos Moya and England’s Tim Henman, chose to sit 2005 out.

In another surprising move McEnroe added Californian Taylor Dent as his fifth player for this tie against Croatia. Mardy Fish, who has played on the team for the past two years and Vince Spadea, whom is currently the third highest ranked American, were both overlooked.

Agassi is joined by current Davis Cup team members Andy Roddick, currently ranked #3 in the world, and Doubles phenoms Bob and Mike Bryan, currently the world’s number two ranked doubles team. Roddick has never lost a home match in Davis Cup play while the Bryans have never lost a Davis Cup match home or away.

Croatia, whom has only faced the US once, in no way is a walkover. Led by Ivan Ljubicic and Mario Ancic, ranked 22 and 30 respectively, are a formidable team. Both are big servers and are excellent hard court players. Currently that team holds a 1-0 record over the United States. “The fact is, we have a tough first-round match against Croatia,” said McEnroe. “They have two legitimate Top 30 players. They beat us pretty good the last time we went over there.”

Both players excel as well on the doubles court, winning bronze at the 2004 Olympic Games in Greece.

Should you plan on seeing Andre at all of Davis Cup ties? Well that is still up in the air. In the Captain’s own words, “Well, you know, we talked at length about a lot of things. I would say we're going to take it one match at a time. To be honest, it's not just this match. To be honest, it's not every match. I think it's a case-by-case situation.”

However, barring something unusual, you will be able to see Andre Agassi play in the first Davis Cup tie of 2005. The tie, which will take place in Carson, CA at the Home Depot Center will be held March 4-6, 2005. Tickets are available through www.ticketmaster.com.

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