Jim Courier has spoken about his future career plans after being involved in controversy at the Australian Open.
Courier worked at the Australian Open as an on-court interviewer, where he was involved in an awkward moment with Novak Djokovic.
After taking exception to some comments made by another media representative, Djokovic refused Courier’s on-court interview.
Former world number one Courier has continued his media commitments since then, and has now been asked about whether he would consider a career change.
Jim Courier responds when asked if he could become a coach
When speaking on Alexander and Mischa Zverev’s podcast, Courier was asked about whether he would consider becoming a coach on the ATP or WTA Tour.
Having been USA Davis Cup captain for eight years, Courier has some experience of mentoring players, but revealed that he could not commit to doing it full-time and was happy with his current media gig.
“No. I was Davis Cup captain for eight years and I really enjoyed that because I got to sort of pretend I was coaching for a week at a time without the responsibility of being on the road all the time,” explained Courier. “For me that distinction was really important.
“What I love about being a television guy is that I work 150 days a year. I always make the finals of the tournaments I go to! I also have a little bit more freedom and flexibility and coaching is full on.
“Coaching is never off, you always have to be there to support your players. And the most important things for me right now are honestly my wife and my kids.
“I love my job and I’m lucky to have it, but I know my kids are not going to be this young forever and I want to be able to be there for them at this point in my life. That is more important to me than what would be certainly gratifying to help someone achieve their dreams.
“I am sure there is incredible gratification in that but it’s too much of a sacrifice for me at this point in my life, which is why I have never done it.”
How did Jim Courier perform as USA Davis Cup captain?
Courier became the USA Davis Cup captain in October 2010, having won the event twice as a player, and coached his nation for 18 ties until September 2018.
This included leading the likes of Frances Tiafoe, John Isner and the Bryan brothers, reaching semi-finals in both 2012 and 2018.
| Jim Courier’s Captaincy | USA (2011-2018) |
| Ties Played | 18 |
| Ties Won | 10 (56%) |
| Best Result | Semi-finals (2012 & 2018) |
After losing against a tight-fought tie against Croatia in 2018, Courier announced that he would be leaving his role as captain.
He would make way for Mardy Fish, who would fulfill Courier’s role as the Davis Cup took its new format.
“Following the matches with Croatia, I let the players and the staff know this was my final year as captain of U.S Davis Cup Team,” Courier told the Davis Cup upon his departure.
“It’s been my honor and privilege to represent the USTA and USA as a player and captain. I look forward to cheering the team on as they pursue the cup in its new format next year and beyond.”
Since then Fish has also left his role as captain, with former doubles number one Bob Bryan now leading the USA team.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
