Mancini quits Davis Cup job

Alberto Mancini has announced he is stepping down as Argentina's Davis Cup team captain.

Captain decides to leave role following defeat in final to Spain

Alberto Mancini has announced he is stepping down as Argentina's Davis Cup team captain. The decision comes after they lost out 3-1 to Spain in this year's final in Mar del Plata, their first defeat on home soil since 1998. Mancini took over as coach in 2005 and steered his country to the final the following year, though they were beaten by Russia. "It's the end of a cycle, and one during which we got to the final twice and the semi-finals once," he said. "I'm satisfied with what I've been able to do." Spain overcame the absence of world number one Rafael Nadal to secure a third Davis Cup title and a first on foreign soil. Fernando Verdasco clinched the title with a thrilling 6-3 6-7 4-6 6-3 6-1 victory over Argentina's Jose Acasuso in Sunday's opening singles match.