South African Tennis Association (Sata) chief executive Ian Smith was ecstatic on Monday about the success of two South African players — Wesley Moodie and Liezel Huber — at Wimbledon over the weekend, but he believes there could be more success for South Africa if tennis could attract a long-term sponsor.
”What a great weekend for South African tennis,” enthused Smith, after Moodie and his Australian partner Stephen Huss won the men’s doubles title on Saturday, and Huber and Cara Black of Zimbabwe won the women’s doubles on Sunday.
Huber also reached the semifinals of the mixed doubles with Kevin Ullyet of Zimbabwe. The previous time a South African won a title at Wimbledon was in 1982, when Kevin Curren and Ann Smith of the United States won the mixed doubles.
”They did it without financial help from South Africa,” said Smith. ”Imagine what they could achieve if they had some backing? With two South Africans winning titles at Wimbledon, perhaps some of the potential sponsors will realise that there is real talent in this country.”
Smith said that Moodie in particular has struggled to keep playing on the international circuit.
”He really battled financially. He didn’t have a coach, he didn’t have any sort of backing. Now he’s won a million rand — now he can really go places.
”There are plenty of other Liezels and Wesleys out there — what we need is a sponsor who will go the distance with us, and help us to develop their talents,” added Smith. ”What we need to set up is another super squad like the one that Wayne Ferreira and Amanda Coetzer were part of.
”It’s expensive to play on the international circuit, but we could help members of a super squad with financial backing, as well as coaching and medical advice. I know there is plenty of talent in South Africa — among all population groups.
”Sata is trying to develop tennis at the grassroots level, and we are making great progress, but we also need to help the elite players who can keep South Africa on the tennis map.”
Smith said he hopes the victories by the two South Africans will encourage the South African Broadcasting Corporation to show more tennis.
”The only people who would have watched Liezel and Wesley win were those with access to the pay channel,” he said. ”But their victories have been well covered in the media, and all who play tennis in South Africa will be aware that we had two winners this weekend.
”But it would be even better if some youngster in Polokwane or somewhere had been able to watch and say, ‘If they can do it, so can I.”’ — Sapa