Wayne Black regrets as Zim lose doubles

TENNIS legend Wayne Black yesterday conceded that coming out of retirement was a huge mistake after Zimbabwe’s Davis Cup dream crushed at Harare Sports Club following a 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 doubles defeat to Bosnia/Herzegovina. The visitors now have an unassailable 3-0 lead.

The 41-year-old Black partnered Mark Fynn as Zimbabwe sought to save the tie following their defeat in both of Friday’s singles matches but things went horribly wrong for the hosts who struggled to maintain serve.

“It was fun getting out there but it was a mistake playing,” said Black in an interview after the match.
“My serve wasn’t there you know. I think it put an extra pressure on Mark. Maybe I wasn’t as quite ready as I thought I was but credit to the team, they did their best. My serve has never been a weapon but unfortunately my good old return has also let me down.

“But I will come back maybe to assist if I’m asked to. But I will definitely not play. It’s fantastic being here but maybe one of the youngsters would have played better,” Black said.

Black showed glimpses of class and experience but was badly let down by his weak serve against Bosnia’s Tomslav Brkic and Mirza Basic.

The Euro/Africa Group II doubles tie was crucial for Zimbabwe as it was going to ensure the team remained in contention following losses the day before by top seed Takanyi Garanganga and Benjamin Lock to Basic and Damir Dzumur respectively.

Garanganga lost 3-6, 3-6, 6-7 (6) to the visitors number two player Basic while Lock lost 3-6, 6-7 (7-6), (3-6) to Dzumur.
Despite admitting that he was off the boil Black also complained about the court’s hard surface.

“There was nothing we could do. It was a slow court that’s one of the problems over the years of this court. It’s always made slower. Hopefully next time they will have a tie they will get it right.

For Fynn the result was devastating.
It was a good match, very close. It was an honour to play with Wayne and the atmosphere was good as well.
Tomorrow’s (today) matches will be dead rubbers but the team is passionate and will fight for our honour,” Fynn said.

On the brighter side Wayne and his brother Byron were yesterday handed the ITF Davis Cup Commitment Awards. – Harare Bureau.