South African Davis Cup captain Kevin Curren acknowledges that the upcoming tie against Greece is a somewhat disappointing way for Wayne Ferreira to make his exit from professional tennis.
Ferreira will spearhead the South African team in the Euro/African Zone Group One tie to be played at Groenkloof Tennis Stadium in Pretoria from September 24 to 26, and it will be his last competitive match before he retires from professional tennis.
”The loss to Slovakia in April really hurt,” said Curren on Tuesday. ”Had we won, we would have played Germany in South Africa for a place in the world group.”
”Yes, it is a bit of a comedown to play Greece, but hopefully Wayne can go out on a positive note,” Curren added.
Ferreira is joined by Wesley Moodie, Rik de Voest and Jeff Coetzee for the Groenkloof tie.
Curren also explained his decision to play three singles players and just one doubles specialist in Coetzee.
”This is the first time I have done this but I have been very impressed with the way Rik has been playing lately.
”He has had some good results and he has also been available for the Davis Cup in the past. Rik has had some good results of late [and has] played well whenever he has had the opportunity. In all the ties he has played, he has come out on the opening day and beat their number one, which has left us in a good position.
”Having the extra singles player also gives us an extra option. It worked so well for Slovakia when they could play Karel Beck instead of their top player, Dominik Hrbaty, in the opening match against Wayne.”
Curren further admitted that this could be his last tie as captain of the South African team, although he is committed to South African tennis.
”I would like to focus some of my energies in another direction. Tennis is in the doldrums and there are lots of things that need to be addressed.
”I will discuss the matter with the South African Tennis Association after this tie. I would be happy to stay on if they want me but I think it would be a good time to bring in someone new.”
Curren also said he knows very little about the Greek players but has heard their number-one player, Konstantinos Economidis, is pretty useful. — Sapa
Teams:
South Africa:
Wayne Ferreira (111 singles, 456 doubles)
Wesley Moodie (173 singles, 152 doubles)
Rik de Voest (187 singles, 104 doubles)
Jeff Coetzee (1 067 singles, 63 doubles)
Kevin Curren (captain)
Greece:
Konstantinos Economidis (254 singles, 746 doubles)
Visilis Mazarakis (311 singles, 877 doubles)
Solon Peppas (544 singles)
Alexander Jakupovic (623 singles, 461 doubles)
Ioannis Rigas (captain)
According the rules of the Davis Cup, each team may make two changes to the nominated team up until an hour before the start of the draw, which takes place on September 22.