adminZIMBABWE’S Davis Cup tennis team player Benjamin Lock arrived yesterday ahead of the draw for the Euro/African Zone Group II match against Bosnia/Herzegovina set for tomorrow.
Lock, who is likely to be the number two player after Takanyi Garanganga, was part of the team that went through their paces at Harare Sports Club.
Mark Fynn is one of top three players while Tinotenda Chanakira, Wayne Black and captain Martin Dzuwa complete the Zimbabwe team.
Veteran Black, who is unlikely to play but has been inspirational to the younger players, believes the arrival of Lock has strengthened their team ahead of the matches starting on Friday.
“Benjamin Lock has joined us today and he has been playing lots of tennis and he is looking very good. Takanyi has been very sharp and the rest of the guys aren’t bad either,” said Black.
Bosnia/Herzegovina arrived in Zimbabwe on Sunday and have been preparing at the outdoor courts at Harare Sports Club with Damir Dzumhur, who is ranked in the world’s top 100, coming as their number one player.
The 23-year old Dzumhur ranked at number three in the world’s juniors at some point, is also a bronze medalist at the Youth Olympic Games.
In 2014, Dzumhur (87) became the first male Bosnian tennis player to reach the main draw of a Grand Slam tournament when he reached the third round of the Australian Open before losing to third seed Tomas Berdych.
The other players in the Bosnia/ Herzegovina team are Mirza Basic, Tomislav Brkic and Fatic Nerman.
“I know their number one guy, he is in the top 100 in the world and that means he is obviously a very classy player.
“I think he gets a lot of balls back and he doesn’t miss. He is a good athlete and could be tough to beat.
“I just saw their number two guy at training a little bit this morning and he looks an aggressive player,” said Black.
Black last played Davis Cup tennis 10 years ago when Tennis Zimbabwe was using the City Sports Centre but he believes that the Harare Sports Club main court will be a perfect venue, if it does not rain.
“Crowds at the City Sports Centre used to sit further behind but this (venue) is much more compact because they could be closer and I think it’s a good atmosphere,” said Black.
The venue has been getting a facelift from Barret Tennis Court with contractor Mike Ives jokingly saying he has a good omen as Zimbabwe always win on the courts he resurfaces.
South African official Ian Smith has been appointed the tournament referee and he also serves as the International Tennis Federation official for Africa. — Sportszone.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter