Wilander steps down as Davis Cup skipper

"I will not continue. It's private reasons behind the decision. I want to be home more, spend more time with the kids," Wilander told Swedish daily Aftonbladet. "It was a difficult decision. I made up my mind three days ago."

General secretary Henrik Kallen told the federation's website (www.tennis.se) that he respected Wilander's decision to leave his post.

"We are grateful for these years and the success we've had," he said.

Wilander, a seven-time Grand Slam winner as a player, took over the Sweden team in 2003.
Two years ago, he steered Sweden to the Davis Cup semifinals, where they lost to eventual champions United States.

With no big players at his disposal except world number 10 Robin Soderling, Wilander has struggled to find a team capable of delivering regular wins at the Davis Cup.

This year, with Soderling absent because of injury, Sweden lost to Israel in the first round and as a consequence had to play the play-offs to make it into next year's World Group.
Sweden beat Romania in their play-off at home in Helsingborg last month to make next year’s World group.