HARARE. Feb 1: US Davis Cup captain John McEnroe slammed the scheduling of the competition on Monday, saying major tournaments should not -be slotted so close together, reports Reuters.

McEnroe said the scheduling had been a major reason for the withdrawal from the World Group tie against Zimbabwe this week of Pele Sampras and Todd Martin, who both played the Australian Open that ended on Sunday.

"The Davis Cup schedule needs to be changed, there's no doubt ... and the sooner the better for the sport in general." Mc Enroe told reporters.

"I don't think we should have something that I'd like to consider as Important as the Grand Slams a week after a Grand Slam. It doesn't make sense, the sport needs a break."

McEnroe earlier predicted on Monday his team would find it tough in the first round tie against Zimbabwe with Sampras and Martin absent.

He told me when we first talked about it that the idea of corning right after a major event ... that if he had a tough loss it was tough for him to get over it quickly." McEnroe said of Sampras, who lost to compatriot Andre Agassi in the Australian Open semifinals on Thursday.

Ahead of his first tie as captain. McEnroe said the high Krofile pair had been replaced y the equally competent" Chris Woodruff and doubles specialist Rick Leach.

McEnroe, who arrived in Harare on Sunday with learn manager Jeff Ryan, told reporters the Americans would have to cope with both the high altitude and the experienced Black brothers. Byron and Wayne.

Sampras pulled out because ol a strained right hip. aggravated during his five-set loss to Agassi. Martin complained of feeling lethargic at the Open after losing in the second round.