Under-fire John Lloyd steps down as Davis Cup captain

Published on Wednesday 17 March 2010 22:16

JOHN Lloyd has resigned as Great Britain's Davis Cup captain.

• Picture: SNS

Following Great Britain's recent defeat by Lithuania, chief executive Roger Draper asked LTA player director Steven Martens to review the Davis Cup performance. But Lloyd opted to quit the role, leaving the position vacant ahead of the relegation play-off with Turkey in July. "I am very proud of my time as Davis Cup captain, and grateful to all the players for their support," he said. "I have been a Davis Cup player, captain and now it is time for me to become a fan."

Paul Annacone has also left his position as Davis Cup coach and will focus on his role as head coach of men's tennis. Martens will present his further findings to the LTA main board later this month.

The LTA player director will also lead the search for a new captain and coach, with the aim of filling the role prior to the Europe/Africa Zone Group II relegation decider with Turkey at Eastbourne from 9-11 July. Martens insisted Lloyd was not solely culpable for Britain's demise and he plans to look at the whole of the men's game in order to assess the nation's tennis deficiencies.

He said: "My initial findings from the review recognise that he is not to blame for our current lack of depth in the men's game."

LTA chief executive Draper also paid tribute to Lloyd. "I would like to thank John for all his efforts and in particular recognise his real achievement in guiding the team back into the World Group of the Davis Cup," said Draper.