- Title: USA: TODD MARTIN COLLAPSES DURING DAVIS CUP DRAW.
- Date: 18th September 1997
- Summary: WASHINGTON, D.C., UNITED STATES (SEPTEMBER 18, 1997) 1. DAVIS CUP DRAW CEREMONY 2. AUSTRALIAN TEAM LOOK OVER AFTER U.S. PLAYER TODD MARTIN COLLAPSES 3. U.S. PLAYER TODD MARTIN ON GROUND, RECEIVING TREATMENT 4. AUSTRALIANS LOOK ON AS MARTIN IS TREATED 5. MARTIN TAKEN OFF IN WHEELCHAIR 6. U.S. TEAM AT PRESS CONFERENCE 7.
- Embargoed: 3rd October 1997 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: WASHINGTON D.C., USA
- City:
- Country: USA
- Reuters ID: LVA7LBYUXHAK8HUTYB7ZJRBXAE7E
- Story Text: There's been drama at the Davis Cup even before the tennis tournament could get underway. The American player Todd Martin collapsed during the draw for matches.
The event was taking place on Thursday (September 18) on the steps of the Capitol in Washington, D.C., when Martin suddenly fell to the ground, apparently suffering from a a stomach flu and dehydration.
The ceremony was halted so Martin could receive treatment. He was then helped away in a wheelchair.
His name had been drawn to play with former world number one Jim Courier against the top ranked Australian pair of Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde.
When the draw resumed, American Michael Chang, currently ranked second in the world, was selected to face U.S. Open champion Patrick Rafter of Australia in the opening match on Friday (September 19).
World number one Pete Sampras will face hard-serving Australian Mark Philippoussis in the other singles match-up.
The doubles match will be played on Saturday (September 20).
U.S. captain Tom Gullikson has until an hour before the match on Saturday to substitute Martin if he deems it necessary.
The likely choice would be Alex O'Brien, a doubles player who is ranked number 12 in the world.
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