Parnell Tennis Club president Paul Harvey is thrilled the club won the rights to host a Davis Cup tie over Easter. He shares his excitement with Candice Reed.
They're all smiles at Parnell Tennis Club. And deservedly so. The club becomes the first in New Zealand's history to host a Davis
Cup tie.
``Obviously, for a club to be hosting a Davis Cup tie is very exciting,'' says club president Paul Harvey.
The coup came about because of the club's close relationship with Tennis New Zealand and the national Davis Cup squad.
Club coach Bruce Derlin is a former Davis Cup captain and player, club professional Peter Fletcher also has close ties at the top, and several past club players have played at Davis Cup level.
The Auckland club is no stranger to hosting large events, having held the Caro Bowl (Auckland's top inter-club competition) final for the past decade.
``Parnell is renowned as a great venue,'' says Harvey. ``Hopefully, we can bring something to Davis Cup events that has been missing in New Zealand for many years. Usually, the ties are held in large stadiums and we've lost that intimacy. I think Parnell can bring this and, if it works, then we might attract more Davis Cup events.''
The national cup team will play the Philippines in the Asia-Oceania group two tie on synthetic grass.
One of the visiting singles players is expected to be former world No 72 Cecil Mamiit (now No 191). New Zealand's top-ranked player is Dan King Turner at 477.
Despite the rankings difference, playing at home will favour King Turner and his team-mates.
``Most of the players from the Philippines train and compete in America on hard-court surfaces. Our players will know our conditions better,'' says Harvey.
An amphitheatre around centre court will showcase the best of New Zealand tennis. ``I believe we will attract great crowds. We have a great membership base at Parnell and I have no doubt they, and the rest of the tennis community, will be right behind this.''
