Davis Cup tennis back in SA

2008-04-21 22:10

Christo Buchner

Johannesburg - Davis Cup tennis will be played in South Africa for the first time in three years when the national team's tie against Denmark takes place in Johannesburg from July 18 to 20.

The SA Tennis Union has decided against giving up, for financial reasons, home-ground advantage by offering the Euro/Africa Group 2 tie to Denmark.

Johann Koorts, chair of the union, confirmed on Monday that the tie would be held in Johannesburg.

The Marks Park Club seems to be the most likely venue but the organisers will also consider the Wanderers Club as hosts.

The possibility of playing the matches on grass has been discarded because the grass courts at the Wanderers are not in good condition during the Highveld winter.

Koorts said a decision about the venue would be taken within the next few days. Negotiations with a potential sponsor were looking positive, he added.

Because of the costs of staging a Davis Cup tie, the SA Tennis Union considered offering the rights to Denmark.

"However, it has been decided that it would be dumb to give up home-ground advantage," Koorts said.

He is hoping that all the top SA players will be available for the clash, particularly after their successes last week.

Jeff Coetzee and Wesley Moodie won the doubles title in the Estoril Open in Portugal and Rik de Voest shared in a doubles victory in Korea.

Kevin Anderson, the leading SA singles player, reached the semi-finals of a challenge tournament in Greece.

- Beeld