TENNIS; US loses Davis Cup match

As has happened on several occasions in recent years, the United States has quietly been eliminated from the Davis Cup playoffs. Argentina knocked off the defending champs in Buenos Aires, with Guillermo Vilas and Jose Luis-Clerc Scoring singles victories over John McEnroe and Brian Gottfried respectively.

The US generally does not approach these cup matches with the crusading fervor other countries do. Consequently, the top Americans have not always represented their country for one reason or another. Helping to provide greater incentive for Uncle Sam's players is the $10,000 paid each team member per series.