The Germans have named a formidable team for the upcoming Euro/Africa zone group-one Davis Cup tie against South Africa to be played at the Standard Bank Arena from March 4 to 6.
German captain Patrik Kuhnen has world number 15 Tommy Haas; Nicolas Kiefer, ranked 30th; Rainer Schuettler, ranked 40th; and Alexander Waske, who is at 138.
Noting the strength the Germans have at their disposal, South African captain Kevin Curren has opted to put the now retired Wayne Ferreira, who still holds an ATP ranking of 246, into his squad of four, along with Wesley Moodie, ranked 114th, Rik de Voest (220) and Jeff Coetzee, who is ranked 79th in doubles.
According to the International Tennis Federation rules, both captains may make two changes to their nominated teams up to one hour before the official draw, which will take place next Wednesday.
To make matters even more difficult for the South Africans, the Germans appear to be in good form going into the tie. Kiefer just knocked off Australian Open champion Marat Safin in Dubai on Tuesday, while Schuettler only lost one game when routing Moroccan Younis El Aynaoui at the same venue.
Haas is top seed at the Arizona Men’s Tennis Classic in Scottsdale and has yet to play his first match.
”The established players are the basis of our team,” explained Kuhnen. ”Waske joins us because of his excellent Davis Cup achievements and his success in doubles at the Australian Open, where he reached the semifinals.”
By way of contrast, South African number one Moodie lost in the first round at Scottsdale to the little-known Giovanni Lapentti, brother of Nicolas, 6-4 6-1.
But this is Davis Cup, and specifically with hometown advantage and a fast court at altitude, strange things can happen.
Kuhnen warned about underestimating the South Africans.
”We expect that Wayne Ferreira will play. However, we approach the Johannesburg tie feeling very positive and I believe we should win.”
Kuhnen has not made up his mind about who will definitely play.
”I nominated the three best single players in Germany and Waske, one of the best doubles player. Everything else will be decided later on.”
The German players will arrive this weekend in Johannesburg, depending on their results at this week’s tournaments.
The South African team is also due to assemble in Johannesburg. Curren has confirmed that the South African team has scheduled its first practice session on Sunday. — Sapa