From Tennis Majors · · 1m 20s
McEnroe's Davis Cup Controversy
McEnroe sparked Zimbabwe backlash with 'cow dung' comment before 1999 Davis Cup tie.
In brief
McEnroe sparked Zimbabwe backlash with 'cow dung' comment before 1999 Davis Cup tie. John McEnroe's Davis Cup captaincy began with controversial 'cow dung' remark about Zimbabwe's court surface, leading to U.S. team narrowly defeating them 3-2 in Harare. Originally reported by Tennis Majors.
McEnroe starts Davis Cup captaincy
On October 7 1999, John McEnroe began his Davis Cup captaincy with controversial remarks about Zimbabwe's court surface.
“cow dung”
Zimbabwe government reacts
Zimbabwean authorities under Mugabe called McEnroe's comment disparaging and questioned his mental state.
“disparaging”
McEnroe's team concerns
McEnroe worried top players would skip Zimbabwe tie after Australian Open injury concerns.
“I'm sure word is seeping out that our worst-case scenario has just taken place”
Sampras and Agassi decisions
Sampras injured hip in Australian Open semi-finals; Agassi committed to Zimbabwe tie.
“I think he realises it's the right thing to do”
McEnroe's court comment
McEnroe claimed Zimbabwe would host match on cow dung court, sparking immediate backlash.
“They are going to pick a surface that they feel they have the best chance of beating us on, which will probably be cow dung”
US team wins narrow victory
United States defeated Zimbabwe 3-2 in Harare with Chris Woodruff winning final match.
“Woodruff prevailing against Wayne Black in the deciding rubber, 6-3, 6-7, 6-2, 6-4”
McEnroe's post-match action
McEnroe held clinic for children in Chitungwiza to cool controversy.
“cooling the controversy created by his comments”
US team's future challenges
United States failed to win Davis Cup until 2007 with Andy Roddick and James Blake.
“United States would not clinch another Davis Cup title until 2007”
Long-term impact
McEnroe's controversial comment led to U.S. team narrowly winning 1999 Davis Cup tie.
“The United States would survive a big scare in Harare, only scraping through 3-2”
The short version
John McEnroe's Davis Cup captaincy began with controversial 'cow dung' remark about Zimbabwe's court surface, leading to U.S. team narrowly defeating them 3-2 in Harare.
