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Patrick McEnroe resigns as US Davis Cup captain

NEW YORK – Patrick McEnroe resigned as U.S. Davis Cup captain after 10 years on Monday and will leave after the Americans' playoff against Colombia this month.

McEnroe led the United States to a Davis Cup title in 2007. But for the first time since 2005, the Americans must win in the playoffs to secure a spot in the top tier of the Davis Cup.

"Obviously it's mixed emotions for me because of what Davis Cup has meant to me for 10 years, to the players that have supported it," McEnroe said at a news conference at the U.S. Open. "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 younger brother of seven-time Grand Slam champion John McEnroe was hired two years ago to run the U.S. Tennis Association's program to develop elite players. He is also a TV analyst.

Four-time major champion Jim Courier, a commentator for CBS, said during the network's coverage Monday that he'd be interested in the job.

The title in 2007 was the Americans' first since 1995, ending the longest drought in U.S. Davis Cup history. McEnroe's record is 16-9, second only to Tom Gorman's 18 wins.

Under McEnroe, the lineup of Andy Roddick, James Blake and Bob and Mike Bryan played in 10 consecutive Davis Cup events.

"Patrick changed the culture of Davis Cup in the United States, creating a true team environment and a sense of camaraderie that the U.S. has never before seen," Jim Curley, the USTA's chief professional tournaments officer, said in a statement. "He has been a champion of the competition in every sense of the word, and elevated the stature of the event in this country."

McEnroe said Mardy Fish, Sam Querrey, John Isner and Ryan Harrison will play for the U.S. in Colombia.