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Ivan Lendl, Boris Becker and Stefan Edberg: 1980-1989 1980
Young Czechoslovakian athlete Ivan Lendl, of the same ilk as Jaroslav Drobny and Martina Navratilova, lifted his country to the Davis Cup final in 1980, before departing just like his predecessors for a better world.
Romania and France felt the wrath of his talent, as they lost 4-1 and 5-0 respectively. When Argentina defeated America, they faced Czechoslovakia, but the outstanding talent of Vilas and Jose-Luis Clerc, was not enough for Lendl. Australia met Italy in Rome and the Italians didn't squander the opportunity to play in a sixth final. Snow-covered Prague was the setting for the final, one of controversy and political demonstration. No Davis Cup around this time could be without one. The Italians complained about line calls and the behaviour of the police, but little did it matter Czechoslovakia were deserved winners. The Italians declined to join in the victory celebrations - causing a slur on the final. 1981 Arthur Ashe had had major heart problems, but his standing in the game meant he was an obvious choice to take the reigns as USA captain, from Tony Trabert. Following the American's 5-0 victory against Australia, Ashe was ready to check into a clinic, following the appalling behaviour of McEnroe. Tensions were still simmering ahead of the Argentine battle in Cincinnati, at the Riverfront Coliseum. Businessmen had bought up 10,000 seats, of the 17,000 capacity arena that only produces a little atmosphere over the three days. John McEnroe and Peter Fleming had to be separated by Ashe and trainer Bill Norris, from Vilas and Clerc. In four hours 52 minutes, the Americans won 11-9 in the fifth. Roscoe Tanner had lost to Clerc on the opening day, so McEnroe needed to beat Clerc in the fourth rubber on the third day. Clerc had risen to number five in the world, and was prevalent to reveal his topspin drives. He won the second and fourth set, but McEnroe edged him out 6-3 in the fifth set. Davis Cup promotion and relegation from World and Zonal Groups saw Switzerland, Brazil, Japan and South Korea go down to the Zonal Groups and Spain, The Soviet Union, Chile and India promoted.
1982 New Zealand beat the Italians on the red clay in Cervia, and finally came unstuck, in their semi-final against France. Australian captain Fraser decided it would be a good idea to import a French synthetic court for the Americans visit. The Americans won 5-0. France entertained America in the Davis Cup final and at a cost of $50,000 became the first nation to lay indoor clay courts. The setting was Grenoble and at that time of year, an indoor surface was the only option. Yannich Noah and McEnroe were first up, the altitude made sure that aces would be aplenty, and after an excellent battle, with the first set taking 111 minutes to complete, McEnroe dazzled to win 6-3 in the fifth. Noah's time would come though, next year at the French Open. Ashe had discovered Noah in Yaounde, as an 11-year-old, and with the help of Charlie Pasarell organised for the youngster to be taken to France to play tennis. Henri Leconte and Thierry Tulasne came through the Philippe Chatrier system but this time the French lost the battle 4-1. But the game in France was on the up. During the dead final rubber McEnroe won the hearts of the French public, by playing a 'serious' dead rubber match against Henry Leconte, after Gene Mayer had simply gone through the motions after losing to Noah in the fourth rubber.
1983 Cash had played against Great Britain in the first round, and it was clear Australia had produced something special again. However, Wilander taught a lesson by winning their opening rubber in four sets. John Alexander then came to the rescue defeating Joakim Nystrom, in four. Edmondson and Paul McMamee then threw themselves about the net and beat Anders Jarryd and Hans Simonsson. Cash then wrapped it up and Neale Fraser had won the Cup for the second time since the last of Harry Hopman's great assembly line had dried up. 1984 McEnroe and Connors destroyed all that came before them, Romania in Bucharest, Argentina in Atlanta, and Australia, in Portland, Oregon. But the debacle in Gothenburg will live long in the memory for not only those that were there, but also the USLTA. The Swedish team, sported Stefan Edberg for the first time and reached the final having beaten Ecuador, Paraguay and Czechoslovakia in home ties. They now faced the Americans in the vast Scandinavium, where hopes were high. The American team were an awesome sight on court, but single-minded tennis players off it can be a disaster. This proved to be the case as each player flew in separately much to Ashe's disappointment, and when Connors scrawled obscenities to Arias, it was the last straw for Ashe and the USLTA. Connor moaned his way through the opening rubber against Mats Wilander, getting docked points and a full game for verbal obscenities and completed the match by refusing to shake the umpires hand. The referee, Alan Mills came close to disqualifying him from the reverse singles and after a formal apology fined the player $2,000. Connors had won only seven games, McEnroe on the other hand had been in brilliant form having won Wimbledon and the US Open, and had only lost two matches all year. Henrik Sundstrom etched his name on Davis Cup history by beating McEnroe 13-11, 6-4, 6-3. The tie was not over as Ashe unleashed his unbeaten doubles pair McEnroe and Fleming. Stefan Edberg showed his mastery and the Swedish side won 7-5, 5-7, 6-2, 7-5, and with it retained the Cup.
The Swedish side had beaten the enormously powerful Americans for the loss of one set. The repercussions were just about to begin, as the Louisana Pacific Corporation who had sponsored the American side $300,000 per year threatened to withdraw their support. The threat was never carried through, as the players and team had to sign a letter agreeing to show courtesy and politeness to opposing teams. McEnroe and Connors failed to sign it, and although Connors was no great loss, McEnroe would be unable to play Davis Cup tennis for America in 1985 and 1986, despite the best efforts of new captain Tom Gorman. 1985 He lead Germany to the Davis Cup final and did his best to wrench the Cup from the Swedes Wilander and Edberg, by beating them in both his singles. Michael Westphal however couldn't and when it came to the doubles 'Boom Boom' was powerless. Sweden were the Cup holders for a third time.
1986 1987
1988 When Carl-Uwe Steeb fought his way past Wilander 8-6 in the fifth set of the opening rubber, Sweden started to take note, but it was too late. Becker was becoming as dominant as ever and Germany became the ninth nation to etch their name on Dwight's plinth supporting the Cup. 1989
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