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DAVIS CUP coach Martin Dzuwa’s plans to use the Zimbabwe Futures series to fine tune his team ahead of the Euro/ Africa Group II relegation tie against Georgia have suffered a major setback.
Top seed Takanyi Garanganga has ruled himself out of the three Futures tournaments set for Harare in June, a few weeks before Zimbabwe makes the trip to Georgia.
Although he did not give reasons it is believed the Zimbabwean top seed prefers to play at more challenging as well more rewarding tournaments.
“I don’t think I will be playing the futures,” said Garanganga, who sits on position 520 on the ATP singles ranking, in a brief response.
However, with the other Davis Cup members – Mark Fynn and the Lock siblings, Ben and Courtney – all having confirmed their availability Dzuwa insists Garanganga’s withdrawal is not a blow.
“It’s not really a blow to our plans; look he will be playing competitively somewhere else and as long as he is playing he will be in shape.
“He is a professional and knows how best he can prepare, but obviously having all the players in action in one tournament ahead of Georgia would have been ideal,” he said.
Zimbabwe are expected to play on clay in Georgia and Dzuwa notes that his charges will need to get more accustomed to doing business on the slower surface.
“It is a different ball game, but we will adjust. We have to prepare well and this includes going there as early as possible to acclimatize,” he said.
Meanwhile, doubles specialist Fynn believes playing at the Zimbabwe Futures series just before the Georgia tie will only boost the team.
“I think being together for the weeks leading up to the Davis Cup tie is a huge positive for our team. We all work very well together, so those extra weeks together will be beneficial for us,” he said.
Online Reporter