Tennis: Becker wants Cup return

BORIS BECKER wants to return to the German Davis Cup team even though he will not give up tournament commitments to take part in the first round against Austria next month. After an interview with the German team captain, Niki Pilic, at the Milan tournament where he is playing, the former world No 1 said last night that he wanted to end his boycott of the national team.

Becker's refusal to play in the Davis Cup angered other team members, including Michael Stich, the world No 2, who led Germany to the 1993 title.

Stich will say next week whether he is prepared to carry on in the team. His decision may be influenced by any move to bring back Becker who has just returned to competitive tennis after the birth of his son.