Despite this, he did manage a semi-finals showing at the 1982 Italian Open, where he partnered with Leo Palin, and one finals appearance in a tour event — a runner's-up showing in the 1982 Metz Grand Prix, partnering with David Siegler.

Unfortunately, however, Corrado Barazzutti was in top form and easily dispatched Sean Sorensen in the deciding fifth match, 6–0, 6–3, 6–3.

This loss, however, set up a memorable tie versus the United States, with the winner to remain in the World Group for the following year.

Played at RDS Arena to accommodate the 6000 spectators who attended, the match-up featured World No.

As expected, McEnroe dominated, winning his two singles matches — as well as the doubles rubber with his partner Peter Fleming — in straight sets.

Doyle did get the only consolation win, leveling the tie at one apiece by defeating Eliot Teltscher in the second rubber, 6–3, 6–4, 6–4.