Chronicle Editor
Mehluli Sibanda, Sports Editor
DESPITE Zimbabwe being relegated to Africa Group III after suffering a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Uruguay in the World Group II tennis playoffs first round, Zimbabwean player Benjamin Lock moved to second all-time wins for the country in singles.
Lock picked up two wins in Zimbabwe’s loss to Uruguay at Harare Sports Club. The older of the Lock brothers, Benjamin defeated Ignacio Carou before he got the better of Uruguay’s top seed Martin Cuevas. Those victories pushed him to second on the all-time successes for Zimbabwe in the most prestigious international team event in men’s tennis. Benjamin’s 29 wins in the Davis Cup saw him overtake Wayne Black who won 28 times and he is now behind Bryon Black’s 39 victories in the competition.
The 29-year-old Lock made his debut in the Davis Cup at the age of 17 in May 2010 against Morocco at Royal Tennis Club de Marrakech, in Marrakech.
“Huge milestone for @benjaminlock1 as he notched his 29th @DavisCup singles win. He is now second on the all-time win list for Zimbabwe. Made his debut at 17 years and has the record for most ties played, 33,’’ posted the Lock brothers on social media.
On the 16 occasions he has been nominated to represent his country in the Davis Cup, the right-handed Harare-born Lock has a win/loss ratio of 29/9 in singles, 14/9 in doubles and an overall of 43/18.
– Follow on Twitter @Mdawini_29.
Online Reporter