Tennis Roundup : McEnroe to Play Davis Cup; Wilander, Gilbert Are Upset

After a two-year absence, John McEnroe will rejoin the United States Davis Cup team, but not until after the opening-round match against Paraguay March 13-15, it was announced Wednesday in New York.

McEnroe explained to U.S. captain Tom Gorman that he is at a point in his career where his scheduling is of utmost priority. Under the rules governing the men’s pro tennis circuit, McEnroe has been designated to play in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, the week following the Paraguay match.

“I certainly know he is very disappointed about not playing in Paraguay because of his loyalty to the Davis Cup in the past and his current desire to represent the United States,” Gorman said. “But realistically, he can’t do everything.”

Top-seeded Mats Wilander and third-seeded Brad Gilbert were upset in their opening matches in the U.S. Pro Indoor Tennis Championships at Philadelphia.

Second-seeded Jimmy Connors and fourth-seeded John McEnroe, meanwhile, advanced with easy wins.

Wilander, the fourth-ranked player in the world, was beaten in by Swedish countryman Jan Gunnarsson, 7-5, 7-6, and Gilbert fell to Broderick Dyke of Australia, 7-6, 6-7, 6-4. Connors defeated Sergio Casal of Spain, 6-2, 7-6, and McEnroe beat Mel Purcell, 6-2, 6-1.