Former French and Australian Open champion Jim Courier has been named coach of the US Davis Cup team.

Courier will work alongside captain Patrick McEnroe for America's 2002 campaign, which begins with a first-round tie against Slovakia in Oklahoma City on Friday.

The McEnroe-Courier pairing marks the first time since 1971 that the US team has had a captain and coach working in tandem.

"We are thrilled that he (Courier) has joined Patrick in our quest to win the Davis Cup," said Arlen Kantarian, chief executive of the US Tennis Association.

"We have a great captain in Patrick, an exciting team, and now a coaching commitment from Jim, one of the greatest American players in history.

"This combination significantly enhances our effort to win the Cup."

Courier, who helped the United States win the Davis Cup in 1992 and 1995, compiled a 17-10 singles record in seven years on the team.

"I am thrilled to again be part of the US Davis Cup effort," the 31-year-old Courier said.

"My Davis Cup memories are near and dear to my heart."

Courier reached the finals of all four grand slam tournaments in his career, winning the French Open in 1991 and 1992 and the Australian Open in 1992 and 1993.