Battleground set for SA-Slovenia tie

KIA South Africa face Slovenia at the Irene Country Club from 7-9 April in the all-important Euro/Africa Group 2 second round tie. The winner will get a shot at playing for promotion into Group 1 in September.

Blaz Trupej, the Slovenian captain said that his team had arrived and wasted no time into getting onto court. “Although we had a long and tiring flight to South Africa we had a good practice session."

The venue is good. The court is playing slower than we anticipated, we like the balls and with the tie being played late afternoon early evening it will be cooler and better for my players” said Trupej.

 In 2012, South Africa beat Slovenia 4-1 at the Arthur Ashe Tennis centre in Soweto. “We prefer Irene to Soweto, the altitude seemed higher and the court much faster there but here things are different and looking good” said Trupej. Trupej admitted that the altitude would play a factor but after practice on Monday his boys felt surprisingly at ease with the altitude.

 Asked why the top Slovenian player Blaz Kavcic was not named as part of the team, Trupej said that Kavcic had different priorities. 

“It’s a pity that Kavcic is not with us but he has other priorities other than Davis Cup. My other players are here, selected to do a job and will put every effort into the tie. So the priority is focusing on the tie with the team we have here and not that Kavcic is absent from the team.”

With a smirk smile, Trupej said that he could still surprise all come Thursday as he is allowed to make changes to his nomination up till an hour before the 15h00 official draw. “The rules state I can still make changes so who knows if Blaz Kavcic jets in last minute.”

Marcos Ondruska, the KIA South African team captain said that Irene was especially set up for team South Africa. “We are the home team, so took full advantage of that and chose Irene Country Club. Irene is proving to be a good hunting ground for our team and although Slovenia seem happy with the venue their likes are just a small percentage of our overall advantage.”

Ondruska continued by saying he was happy with his squad and had a lot of variety to play with. “My singles and doubles players are all fit and healthy and the next three days will allow me opportunity to test them all and. Come Thursday I feel I will be ready to name the best for man team who I believe have the best shot at pulling off a win this weekend.”

Lloyd Harris, the top ranked South African singles player said he was in good shape and ready for the weekend. “I feel good right now with my game and am happy that the times of the start of play have changed to late afternoon. I am ready to play under lights and I think the start time change made by Tennis South Africa will allow for more spectators to make the tennis and create a unique atmosphere for them.”

Video: Trevor Cramer