Mats Wilander – Davis Cup Idols

Written by: Staff on 9th August 2011

Mats Wilander – Davis Cup Idols

epa02420376 Former world number one tennis player of Sweden Mats Wilander returns the ball to former world number one Ivan Lendl of the Czech Republic during their Tennis Classics match in Papp Laszlo Sports Arena in Budapest, Hungary, 30 October 2010. EPA/IMRE FOELDI HUNGARY OUT |

Mats Wilander looks back on a golden era for Swedish men’s tennis in the 1980s, when he was a key member of three title-winning teams in Davis Cup by BNP Paribas. This is the latest interview in the ITF’s Davis Cup Idols video series, which features the game’s all-time greats talking about their experiences and memories of the competition.

Wilander made his debut for Sweden in 1981 and went on to play 27 ties, compiling an impressive 43-18 win-loss record. The seven-time Grand Slam champion enjoyed an illustrious Davis Cup career and led his nation to three triumphs, starting in 1984 with a surprise 4-1 victory over USA in the Final. That was followed in 1985 and 1987 with wins against West Germany and India. He went on to captain the team for seven seasons between 2003 and 2009.

“I would never trade a Davis Cup victory for, let’s say, another singles Grand Slam,” said Wilander. “To me the whole Davis Cup experience was not just about winning, but it was more about doing something together with your friends. It’s much more than just the weekend. It was a very special time.”

Watch the interview with Wilander on the official Davis Cup website: DavisCup.com