Local Tennis: Jacob leaves Fed Cup team after seven years

Captain says he feels he's met the goals he set for himself and the team.

By ALLON SINAI
oded jacob 88 (photo credit: )
oded jacob 88
(photo credit: )
After guiding Israel's Fed Cup team to unprecedented tennis achievements in the last seven years, captain Oded Jacob announced on Monday that he has decided to leave the side. "I've approached the Israel Tennis Association and asked to leave the captain's position," said Jacob, who will continue to work at the ITA. "After seven challenging, fascinating and exciting years I've decided to clear the way for a new captain. I see this change as a healthy and positive process." Under Jacob, the Fed Cup team, led by Shahar Pe'er and Tzipi Obziler, reached the World Group for the first time ever, facing defending champion Russia in the last-eight at Ramat Hasharon earlier this year. "In the last few years I had the privilege to face the world's best teams and was honored to guide players like Tzipi Obziler, Anna Smashnova and Sahar Pe'er," Jacob said. "I feel that I met the goals I set for myself and the team seven years ago." Lior Mor, who coached the team in recent years, will replace Jacob and will guide the side in its World Group II road tie against the Ukraine in February of next year. "I'm sad Oded is leaving. I was honored to work under him for all these years," Mor said. "I hope the team continues to do well under my guidance."