From Tennis Majors · · 1m 40s
Stan Smith Wins Davis Cup Final
Stan Smith and U.S. team clinch last Davis Cup Challenge Round victory.
In brief
Stan Smith and U.S. team clinch last Davis Cup Challenge Round victory. Stan Smith defeated Ion Tiriac 8-6, 6-3, 6-0 to win the last Davis Cup Challenge Round in 1971. Originally reported by Tennis Majors.
The Final Match
Stan Smith defeated Ion Tiriac 8-6, 6-3, 6-0 to win the United States' last Davis Cup Challenge Round victory in 1971.
Heavy Rain and Court Drying
Heavy rain forced officials to use a helicopter and gasoline to dry the courts before the match.
Stan Smith's Background
Stan Smith was born in 1946 in South California and became a Grand Slam champion after being rejected as a Davis Cup ballboy.
Ion Tiriac's Background
Ion Tiriac, nicknamed 'the Brasov Bulldozer', was a Romanian tennis player who reached the 1968 Roland-Garros quarterfinals.
The Match Location
The 1971 Davis Cup final was held at the Olde Providence Racket Club in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Challenger Team's Path
Romania won six matches to qualify for the Davis Cup Challenge Round, including beating Netherlands, Israel, Yugoslavia, and West Germany.
Court Drying Efforts
Officials used a helicopter and gasoline to dry the courts after heavy rain, turning clay into asphalt.
Smith's Winning Match
Smith won the match 8-6, 6-3, 6-0 on a fast court he had learned to play on while growing up in California.
Next Match in 1972
Smith and Tiriac met again in the 1972 Davis Cup final, where Smith won 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, 2-6, 6-0.
Aftermath
Smith became world No. 1 and won Wimbledon in 1972, while Tiriac became a successful sports manager and billionaire.
At a glance
Stan Smith defeated Ion Tiriac 8-6, 6-3, 6-0 to win the last Davis Cup Challenge Round in 1971.
