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A dejected David Lloyd
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Credit: Gary M Prior
ALLSPORT
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Game, set and match for Lloyd
by Andy McKenzie
David Lloyd has been sacked as captain of Great Britain’s Davis Cup side
by the LTA, it was announced on
February 28.
- The LTA said that Lloyd, whose contract was due to end later this year, had been relieved of his duties after he was
highly critical of the British side following February's defeat in the Czech Republic.
- Lloyd blamed the LTA for sending him unfit players for the clash in Ostrava, and has also been an outspoken critic of
the lack of backing he has received from them for nurturing future talent.
- John Crowther, chief executive of the LTA said, "Having reviewed David Lloyd’s recent conduct,
including his public criticism of the team in Ostrava and the unnecessary adverse effect these had on players and coaches
connected to the Davis Cup squad, the LTA lost confidence in his continuing captaincy.
- "It was therefore decided that a new captain was required to be in place as quickly as possible to restore
confidence and inject a greater sense of team spirit within the British team."
- Britain, without their no. 2 Greg Rusedski, were well beaten by the Czechs 4-1, making it 16 years since they
last won a match in tennis’ top division.
- The LTA announced that former British Davis Cup player Roger Taylor had accepted their invitation to take over
from Lloyd. He has spent the last two years as a performance director at the Regional Tennis Centre in Surrey, England.
- Taylor said, "I am very proud to accept this opportunity to captain my country in the Davis Cup and look forward
to working with the leading players and coaches to compete successfully in the world’s top team tennis event.
- "I hope to emulate the achievements of one of my contemporaries and doubles partner in the US Open win of 1971,
John Newcombe. He has proved himself a very successful captain with the Australian Davis Cup since he took
over."
- Taylor had an outstanding record for Britain in the Davis Cup as a player - winning 17 of his 26 singles games and
holding a 3-2 doubles record. He also made it to the semi-finals of Wimbledon three times - in 1967, 1970 and 1973.
- Crowther added, "He commands the respect of all our leading players and coaches and he is highly regarded around
the world as a former player of great standing in the sport."
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