GB faced teenage John McEnroe in last Davis Cup final
Friday 25 September 2015 14:36, UK
Great Britain have battled through to a Davis Cup final against Belgium, but what happened in their last attempt to take the trophy back in 1978?
That British team featured two brothers, with David Lloyd lining up next to younger sibling John, and Australia were their semi-final opponents on that occasion as well.
Former world No 2 Tony Roche featured for the Aussies, but they were still beaten 3-2 by the Brits to set up a final with America, who had overcome a Swedish side including Bjorn Borg.
The Lloyd brothers were joined by Mark Cox and Buster Mottram as they travelled to face the USA at Mission Hills Country Club in California in December.
A 19-year-old John McEnroe was drafted into the hosts' line-up for the absent Arthur Ashe, but the talented youngster would prove an inspired replacement.
Announcing his arrival in thrilling fashion, McEnroe brushed aside the experienced John Lloyd 6-1 6-2 6-2 in the opening singles match.
Mottram revived hopes of a British triumph as he completed a gruelling 4-6 2-6 10-8 6-4 6-3 win over Brian Gottfried.
But America's star doubles pairing of Stan Smith and Bob Lutz made short work of Mark Cox and David Lloyd, racing to a 6-2 6-2 6-3 win.
McEnroe then returned to seal the US victory with a flourish as he inflicted a ruthless 6-2 6-2 6-1 defeat on Mottram.
A humbling defeat for Britain was completed when Gottfried inflicted a 6-1 6-2 6-4 defeat on John Lloyd.
The USA would win the trophy three more times in the next four years, while Great Britain's long wait for another final appearance will finally end this November.
