Davis Cup Yearbook

The 1996 Davis Cup by NEC produced the greatest climax in its 96-year history, with France defeating Sweden in Malmo in the fifth set of the fifth rubber of the Final after a marathon last day's play. Here, in pictures and words, is the story of that Davis Cup year, its dramas, triumphs and disappointments. The story of how the United States, the holders, went out in the quarter-finals and how an all-European Final produced a classic encounter amid the December snows of Sweden. A record number of 124 nations competed in the 1996 version of this, the largest annual international team competition in sport. Just about every big name in the game was involved in Davis Cup 1996, from Boris Becker to Stefan Edberg, an indication of its fascination down the years to the very best in the game--names like Bill Tilden, Fred Perry, Jean Borotra, Donald Budge, Ken Rosewall, Lew Hoad, John Newcombe, Arthur Ashe, Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe. The text recaps the dramatic highlights of the World Group matches, while high-quality photography captures the skill, concentration and endurance of those who competed, as well as the dedication of those who watched and cheered the Davis Cup of 1996.