Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Zimbabwe Davis Cup team got their campaign off to a flier at the ongoing Africa Group IV tournament underway following a 3-0 victory over Mozambique at the Nairobi Club in Kenya yesterday.
The event is running until Saturday with eight countries are grouped into two pools.
Zimbabwe, in their first Pool B tie, beat Mozambique, setting the tone for their next encounters against the DRC and Angola.
First on the court was Ronan Mtisi and he outclassed Mozambique’s Eric Sigauque 6-1, 6-0.
Courtney Lock followed up with a 6-1, 6-3 win over Luca Santiago De Sousa Figueiredo in the second singles match.
Lock and Mtisi teamed-up for the doubles, and defeated the pair of De Sousa Figueiredo and Rui Costa Tembe 6-1, 6-1.
The top two nations from each pool will advance to the promotion play-offs for the two spots to next year’s Davis Cup Africa Group III.
Pool A consists of Ghana, Algeria, Kenya and Botswana.
Zimbabwe are seeking a quick return to the Africa Group III after they were relegated to the less fashionable Group IV last year.
The other team members are Zamani Moyo, Makanaka Whata and Sean Taruberekera.
They are led by captain Gwinyai Tongoona.
Going into yesterday’s tie, Lock, who is the most experienced player, said he is taking it one day at a time.
“I like our group. However, these group stages are never straight forward, so we will just take it day by day.
“I like our chances but we will have to win almost every match and then win on Saturday when it matters most,” said Lock.
Zimbabwe were demoted to Africa Group IV after crumbling to four straight defeats against Senegal, Algeria, Nigeria and Namibia during the five-nations Africa Group III tournament last year.
The event was held at Harare Sports Club and, for Zimbabwe, it was their worst Davis Cup campaign in recent years.
In the absence of Zimbabwe’s top ranked player, Benjamin Lock, the spotlight is on his younger brother, Courtney, who is leading a rather youthful team.
“Davis Cup is always an honour and I have never turned down the call to duty, outside of injury.
“So, I am here to fight, give my all for the team and win every match that I possibly can help to.”
