|
No money could cost SA tennis
15/04/2008 22:03 - (SA)
Christo Buchner , Beeld
Johannesburg - A lack of money could prevent the South African tennis team from playing their next Davis Cup tie at home.
The South Africans are scheduled to play at home when they meet Denmark in their Euro/Africa Group II tie in July. However, the event may go to Denmark.
Johann Koorts, chairperson of the SA Tennis Union, said on Tuesday the costs of staging a Davis Cup tie might convince the union to give up the team's home-ground advantage.
"It costs approximately R600 000 to stage a Davis Cup tie," Koorts explained. "We also have to pay for the visiting team's accommodation and for all the officials.
"We have sponsorship from SA Airways for the airfares but with all the other expenses it may be better for us to play away. A number of factors have to be considered."
Koorts said South Africa had to inform the International Tennis Federation before next Wednesday, April 23, what they planned to do.
"I'll have a discussion with (SA non-playing captain) John-Laffnie de Jager before we make a recommendation," Koorts said.
To give up home-ground advantage is almost unheard of but Koorts pointed out that South Africa had last won a home tie in 2001, also against Denmark.
The matches were played indoors on a carpeted surface and South Africa won 3-2.
"I'll first ask John-Laffnie how the players feel about it. If we do play at home, we also have to decide whether to play in Johannesburg or at the coast," Koorts said.
"The problem is that Denmark don't have many high-profile players. This makes it harder to find a sponsor."
The tie takes place soon after Wimbledon and most of the top players will them be preparing to compete in the United States.
And to travel from the US to Europe will be less tiring than coming all the way to South Africa.
Still, it would be a major surprise if South Africa gave up home-ground advantage.
If it happens, local fans will also miss an opportunity to see new SA star Kevin Anderson, 21, in action.
- Beeld
|
