Guillermo Coria caps “unforgettable” Davis Cup coaching debut with Czech whitewash

WATCH: After reaching back-to-back finals in Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro, Diego Schwartzman took that form into a successful Davis Cup weekend.

Guillermo Coria's Davis Cup captaincy got off to a winning start as the Argentines defeated the Czechs 4-0 at home in Buenos Aires—featuring wins from Diego Schwartzman and Coria’s younger brother Federico.

The former French Open finalist had retired quietly in 2009, the culmination of a lengthy slump that began following his five-set defeat in Paris in 2004. But he was back courtside this week leading a Davis Cup team that included his brother, evoking emotions from his playing career.

"It was a week that was unforgettable," Coria was quoted as telling Argentine press. "It brought back what I experienced so many years ago.

"I didn't have a chance to retire with the people as I would have liked, [and] my only home tie [in Davis Cup] was against the Czech Republic many years ago."

The win qualifies Argentina for the Davis Cup Finals, a 16-team competition which will be played in six months across four cities.

Coria took the Davis Cup reins from Gaston Gaudio, the player who defeated him in the French Open final.

"We will keep going with the great work the previous captains did, especially Gaston," he said. "I would like to thank all my players, not only the five playing this tie, but all."

The country won its first Davis Cup in 2016 following four appearances in the final when it was still a home-and-away competition. It also appeared in the 2019 Finals.