adminBrighton Zhawi
Zimbabwe will host China in September for their first-ever Davis Cup meeting between the two countries after a draw conducted at the International Tennis Federation (ITF) offices in London last week.
While Zimbabwe advanced from the play-offs by beating Syria 3-1 at home recently, China were relegated to World Group II after failing to fulfil their Group I play-off against Romania scheduled for March 6 and March 7 owing to restricted movements due to the coronavirus outbreak. China are ranked 39, and are 23 places above Zimbabwe (62), but that does not worry Zimbabwe Davis Cup team captain Gwinyai Tongoona, who sees an upset come September.
“They have got a strong team, and they are ranked higher than us, but you cannot write us off, we have to go for an upset. We are playing at home, we do well at home,” Tongoona told The Sunday Mail.
The Zimbabwe captain was, however, sympathetic on how the coronavirus pandemic has affected the world.
“In times of problems, or challenges, people go to sport, but at the moment there is no sport to go to because of the virus. All professional tennis tournaments have been put on hold until at least April 20. At the moment, you cannot put people at risk, hence many competitions have been put on hold,” said Tongoona.
“It is really sad, but we remain hopeful things will be normal soon.”
All professional tennis tournaments have been put on hold until at least April 20.
Meanwhile, Tongoona has revealed that Takanyi Garanganga had a successful knee operation after he pulled out of the Syria match on the eve of the play-off due to injury.
“He was operated last week (a fortnight ago) and we will see his progress after a month and half.
“We hope he will be fine by September, since he is a key member of the team.
“We also hope to have everyone healthy in September when we play China,” said Tongoona.
Online Reporter