SA Davis Cup team get a shot at redemption

SOUTH Africa’s Davis Cup team will have a shot at redemption when they face Nigeria in the World Group II play-off tie at the Groenkloof Tennis Stadium in Pretoria on February 1 and 2.

Captain Pietie Norval named all three players from South Africa’s previous tie against Lebanon in September – Philip Henning, Alec Beckley, and Leo Matthysen. Kris van Wyk has been recalled to the team to add valuable experience against a rival without much of it.

Henning and Beckley played in the four rubbers contested in the 3-1 defeat at a neutral venue in Cairo, securing a point in the doubles rubber after losing their opening singles matches, while 18-year-old Matthysen did not compete in that tie. He is being groomed for the future.

Van Wyk, who last represented South Africa in February 2023 against Vietnam, makes a welcome return to the squad.

Henning, Van Wyk, and Beckley are all ranked among the top 700 players globally in singles and doubles.

Henning won two ITF World Tour events in Stellenbosch at the end of last season, Van Wyk reached the finals, and Alec Beckley made the semifinals, said Norval, who will captain the team for the first time after his four-year appointment.

The experienced Norval, who won an Olympic doubles silver medal alongside Wayne Ferreira at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992, has replaced Christo van Rensburg as captain.

“These players are in form, and they will be preparing at high altitude. I believe they will be ready for the tie.

“While we’re currently uncertain about the strength of Nigeria’s team, we will prepare as if facing a strong opponent. Good preparation can make the difference, and I will ensure we’re fully prepared,” he said.

“I think our team is strong enough for this tie, and we look forward to representing our country.”

Team Nigeria’s hasn’t been made known, however, US-based Christopher Bulus is expected to spearheaded the country’s charge in the play-offs. Nigeria’s only player on the ATP rankings has a career-high singles ranking of 935, according to the ITF website, which is perhaps an indication of the gulf in class between the two nations. But Bulus will be confident after winning his first major trophy of the year in the UTR Pro Tour in Florida.

The winner of the World Group II play-off clash, played on outdoor hard courts, will advance to compete in a World Group II tie in September. The losing team will participate in a regional Group III event later in the year.