University of North Carolina Athletics
Don Johnson Named To U.S. Davis Cup Team
September 6, 2001 | Men's Tennis
Sept. 6, 2001
Don Johnson, a 1990 UNC graduate and volunteer assistant coach for the Carolina men's tennis team, has been selected to represent the United States against India in the Sept. 21-23 Davis Cup qualifying round in Winston-Salem. U.S. team captain Patrick McEnroe made the announcement today at the U.S. Open.
"It's a real tribute to him and what he's been able to do," said McEnroe about Johnson. "I think it's a remarkable story. I mean, when he first started on the tour, he was a guy that no one knew, scrappy guy, pretty good athlete. But he's developed his game. He's won with many different partners, especially over the last couple years. He won the doubles championship last year. He's a great team guy. He brings a lot of energy to the court. He's great for Jared. They work well with each other.
"It certainly is nice to see Don get the opportunity to play after all the work he's done and all the wins he's had. To play in his home state I think will be exciting for him and I think it will be a great atmosphere in the doubles match."
Johnson, who will play for the U.S. Open doubles title with his partner Jared Palmer on Friday, turns 33 on Sept. 9. He will be the oldest man to make a Davis Cup debut for the United States since 1927 and the second-oldest ever. Johnson has won six doubles titles this year, including Wimbledon in July.
Visit usopen.org for more information on the U.S. Davis Cup team announcement.
