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Ellina Mhlanga
Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE Davis Cup tennis team captain, Gwinyai Tongoona, says they are expecting some tough matches.
They were set to host China, on September 17 and 18, at Harare Sports Club.
However, China withdrew from the tie, citing travel restrictions.
Zimbabwe will advance to play in either the World Group I Knock-out ties in November, or to the World Group I Play-offs, in March 2022.
“The next ties will not be easy. We are going into a higher group now and we will play higher-ranked teams with even better players,’’ he said.
“It’s tough for the team, but also good for local tennis. Should we get a home tie, we will get to see some world-class tennis.
“And, we always have a chance to cause an upset, playing at home, as we did versus Turkey, some years back.
“The best way for players to prepare is play as many tournaments as possible. It would be helpful if players can get assistance, with going on tour, to play.
“When in town, it would be helpful if they get clearance to continue training in preparation.’’
Zimbabwe were set to go into the tie, against China, as the underdogs.
They are ranked 62 while China are ranked number 40.
“We have all been looking forward to the tie. We were all hoping that by September, if fans are allowed to come and attend the match, we would again recreate that atmosphere we always have during home ties,’’ he said.
“We play either in November this year, or March next year so, hopefully, we are drawn to play at home.
“For local tennis, this was a big tie, not just for the team, but for the whole tennis community.
“Tennis Zimbabwe had done a lot, in preparation for the tie, the court had already been resurfaced.’’
Tennis Zimbabwe vice-president, Collins Mahere, said they will be meeting soon to discuss the way forward.
“We did get the final notification on Friday that China have withdrawn and we are progressing to the next round.
“But, obviously, we were looking forward to host China, it is a big country, we were looking forward to canvassing for support locally, we also have the Chinese community, in the country.
“We were definitely on a drive for sponsorship, which would have also helped in tennis development, junior development.
“That’s a big loss for us.
“We still have to meet, as the executive board, to plan the way forward. The ITF have said they will notify us, whether we will be playing in November or March.’’
Online Reporter