Davis Cup on Display in Mobile

PLAYERS LINE UP TO SEE BUT NOT TOUCH – TROPHY

By Emma Knight

Tennis history came to Cox-Copeland Tennis Center today.

Arriving in an armored car, guarded by several men ready to step in at any moment to keep it from being if touched, the trophy drew hundreds of awestruck tennis fans. Standing 3.5 feet high and weighing in at 231 pounds, the trophy is not what most onlookers expected.

Darren Gonzalez of Louisiana had never seen the trophy in person, and was amazed by the sheer size. When asked what he would do if he had the trophy, he said” I would really have to clear out my garage.”  

Robert Williams and David Briscoe from Louisiana have never been to a Davis Cup event before, but watched on TV last year to see the US clinch the victory. When asked what they would do with control of the trophy, Williams said “put it where the authorities couldn’t find it.”

The Davis Cup is awarded to the winning men’s team representing their country. The trophy shares a rich 108 year history with the 142 countries that have participated in this prestigious event. Passed around to the winning country the Davis Cup trophy has been around the world and back.

Last November in Portland the US team overpowered Russia in the finals. This was the first time since 1995 that the US had ownership of the trophy. The team was coached by Patrick McEnroe, television commentator and General Manager of USTA Elite Player Development. The team cruised to a 3-0 victory behind the play of singles players Andy Roddick and James Blake, as well as doubles specialists Bob and Mike Bryan. Roddick and Blake both won their singles matches and watched as the Bryan brothers clinched the United States’ 32nd Davis Cup championship.

The U.S. has advanced to the semifinals of this year’s tournament and will face Spain in Madrid on Sept. 19-21.

The “USTA Southern Davis Cup Trophy Tour presented by Choate Construction” will be on display at the player party Sunday night on the USS Alabama. The cup is making its final stop after visiting Wilmington’s Cape Fear Country Club. During the festivities, exhibition matches featuring Wilmington’s top junior players, tennis pros, and local television personalities were played