Rosset and Hracek challenge the United States in the 1992 Davis Cup final

memorable

December 4, 1992: Switzerland defeats the great giants of tennis, the United States, at the start of the Davis Cup final. But Jakob Hlasek and Marc Rosset must be content with smelling a miracle.

follow me

In 1992, team sports were probably more popular than ever in Switzerland. The national ice hockey team reached the semifinals of the World Cup in Prague and finished fourth. The players got off to a sensational start in World Cup qualifying with a 6-0 win over Scotland in Estonia, a 2-2 away win against world champions Italy and a 3-0 victory over Malta.

The national team will eventually reach the finals for the first time in 28 years under the leadership of coach Roy Hodgson. Finally, the Swiss team entered the Davis Cup tennis finals against the United States.

Marc Rosset (left) and Jakob Hlasek (right) with coach Dimitri Sturdza. Image: KEYSTONE

Arrogant Americans

On the way to the finals, the Swiss team eliminated the Netherlands (4:1) and France (3:2), and defeated the Brazilian team 5:0 in the semifinals, holding a real folk festival in Geneva. Team USA is the favorite for the final in Fort Worth (Texas). They will compete against the likes of world number one Jim Courier and Wimbledon champion Andre Agassi. The Swiss leader is Olympic champion and world number eight Marc Rosset.

Arrogant Americans underestimated the Swiss. Currier declared that they would not lose a game. In fact, Agassi swept Jakob Hlasek 6:1, 6:2 and 6:2 from the beginning.

The halls of Texas, a cauldron – thanks to the Swiss fans, too.Image: Paul Zimmer

Courier gets annoyed by cowbell ringing

But then Rosset defeated Curiel 6:3, 6:7, 3:6, 6:4 and 6:4 in a wonderful game to tie the score at 1:1. At a subsequent press conference, Courier complained about the noise from the Swiss crowd, especially the sound of cowbells. There were 1,500 Swiss fans among the 12,000 spectators.

Marc Rosset equalized 1-1 in a great game with Jim Courier.Image: Paul Zimmer

He left the media conference without saying a word when a Swiss chronicler asked him if a few cowbells would be enough to destabilize the world number one.

Local media called on fans to provide better support during the next day's show. The genteel reserve that is so common in tennis matches should be abandoned. An additional 2,000 U.S. pennants will be flown in from Denver and distributed to spectators. The Titans were crumbling. But he didn't fall.

Switzerland leads 2-0 in doubles match

A decision will be made on the second day of the doubleheader. It is also a highlight of this final. John McEnroe and Pete Sampras narrowly won this match (6:7, 6:7, 7:5, 6:1, 6:2). It just feels like it's missing a little bit. The Swiss team, a two-man duo of Jakob Hracek and Marc Rosset, like Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka two decades later, finished with 2 before declining in strength. -0 lead.

Rosset, in particular, was out of breath and his hammer serve was useless. After 4 hours and 17 minutes, the Swiss team was defeated. The American team leads 2:1. On the third day, Curiel will face Hracek (6:3, 3:6, 6:3, 6:4) to determine the winner of the Davis Cup.

Jim Courier scored the decisive third point. No, the lady on the far right didn’t sneak into Team USA…Image: Paul Zimmer

…This is a young Andre Agassi (second from left).Image: Paul Zimmer

Switzerland had to wait 22 years to win the national competition. In 2014, Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka had their big moment in Lille.

The top six teams in the Chinese Super League are ranked within 5 points. Worth noting: The leading team never actually wins the game. The top spot changes almost every week.

What do Zurich, Basel, Servetus and Lucerne have in common? All four teams have led at least one game since matchday eight but have never been able to win a game as a leader.