It players: Pat Cash and Brad Gilbert
Pat Cash. quick serve-volleyer, fireball, future Wimbledon champion
Pat Cash was born in 1965 in Melbourne, Australia and turned professional in 1982. In 1984, with his classic service-volley game, he reached the semifinals of both Wimbledon (lost to John McEnroe 6-3, 7-6, 6-4) and the US Open (lost 6 points, 6 points to Levan). 6-4, 6-7, 7-6). After a 1985 season hampered by a back injury, he returned to action in 1986, reaching the Wimbledon quarterfinals (losing to Henri Leconte 4–6, 7–6, 7–6, 6–3).
Brad Gilbert: American, master tactician, top-10 player
Brad Gilbert was born in 1961. He turned pro in 1982 and within months won the first of his 19 titles in Taipei. Unlike many other professional players of his era, Gilbert did not have a primary offensive weapon and his game was largely based on his excellent tactics. In October 1986, he was world number 12, his highest ranking at the time, having won three titles since the start of the year, including the Memphis Open, where he defeated Stefan Edberg (7-5, 7-6) in the final.
The placeMilton Courts, Brisbane, Australia
Milton Courts was a tennis venue located in Milton, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. The complex consisted of 19 hard courts and four grass courts. The main arena held 7,000 people and opened in 1915. It has hosted eight Australian Opens/Championships, including the first tournament where professionals were allowed in 1969. Additionally, it staged three Davis Cup finals in 1958, 1962 and 1967. Not only that, but the Rolling Stones performed during 19973.
The factsCash prevails after it is accused of delaying Gilbert
The 1986 Davis Cup semi-final between Australia and the United States got off to a good start on day one as Paul McNay beat Brad Gilbert (2-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-0, 6-1) and Pat Cash beat Tim Mayotte (4-6, 6-2, 6, 1). However, in the doubles, although they came really close to finishing off the American team, going two sets to none, Pat Cash and John Fitzgerald eventually defeated Paul Annacone and Ken Flach (8-10, 1-6, 7-5, 13-11, 9-7).
Australia was still leading 2-1 when in 1986 On October 6, Cash met Gilbert. The Australian service volley player had already played 120 games since opening the tie, and when she lost the first set 6-3, it looked like she hadn’t recovered from her efforts. However, Cash rallied to win, 3-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4. The atmosphere was not particularly friendly as Gilbert, along with his captain Tom Gorman, accused Cash of lagging behind by taking too much time to prepare for the return.
“The referee should have said something about that because he said it 30 times. If I’m willing to serve, he shouldn’t be able to leave. It’s unfair. The game must be continuous.”
Cash, on the other hand, blamed Gilbert for his quick service.
“Three weeks ago he gave me quick service in Los Angeles and he did it again 20 times today. If I didn’t slow him down today, he would have another 100 points. The guy just spins and serves, he doesn’t even look to see if you’re there.“
Despite the controversy, Australia had now qualified for the Davis Cup final, aiming for a 26th title.th time
What next?Cash leads to Australia defeating Sweden in the final
Australia would win the 1986 Davis Cup, defeating Sweden in the final. Cash would once again play a starring role in that victory, defeating Stefan Edberg (13-11, 13-11, 6-4), before winning the doubles on Saturday and eventually sealing his team’s victory by defeating Mikael Pernfors in the most dramatic fashion (2-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-3,4).
