Players practising on the portable tennis court at Whangārei’s McKay Stadium this weekend.
Players practising on the portable tennis court at Whangārei’s McKay Stadium this weekend.
Tennis fans are excited for the first-ever Davis Cup tie to be held in Northland, which is kicking off today.
The tie, held indoors at McKay Stadium in Whangārei on Saturday and Sunday, sees Bosnia and Herzegovina bring a competitive squad led by world No 57 Damir Dzumhur and NermanFatic, ranked 212.
The fixture follows New Zealand’s recent victory over Georgia in Palmerston North in September, a result that secured promotion to World Group I.
New Zealand Davis Cup captain Artem Sitak says the team are preparing thoroughly for the challenge.
“Bosnia and Herzegovina have a strong team, so we expect a high standard of tennis across both days. Our players understand what is required at this level, and we will approach the tie with lots of good preparation and a clear focus on the task,” Sitak said.
New Zealand named a five-strong team for their Davis Cup World Group I Play-Off tie. The players are: James Watt, Ajeet Rai, Anton Shepp, Finn Reynolds and Isaac Becroft.
New Zealand Davis Cup Captain Artem Sitak is looking forward to the team’s tie against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Whangārei this weekend.
The Davis Cup, known as the World Cup of Tennis, is expected to generate $140,000 in direct spending in Whangārei with 1000 visitor nights, and attract 130,000 New Zealanders watching the live broadcast and a potential global audience of millions as it is screened for free worldwide.
The tournament is one of the world’s oldest international sporting events and involves the best men’s teams from more than 150 nations competing each year.
Tennis Northland general manager Brittany White said having the first-ever Davis Cup tie in the region was exciting and would provide great action and inspiration for the region’s players, particularly young ones.
“Locals are having such a big part to play with the ballboys and girls, all local youth tennis players.
“It will be amazing for them to see up close how the professional players work, and it will be so cool for them to see what it takes.”
White said the event was timely, with tennis high on people’s radar after the Australian Open and ASB Classic in Auckland.
“It’s saying we are here and we can do this, and I’m excited about what other events we could host in the future.”
“That’s very satisfying for us, Tennis Northland, and all involved,” he said.
“It’s hard to know how things will go, but this has certainly exceeded expectations, and it’s a testament to Northland sports fans, who always get behind their local teams and national teams when they come.”
Archer said Tennis NZ was keen to take its events away from the main centres and into new areas, so the response from Northland was reassuring, after well-attended ties in Invercargill and Palmerston North.
TNZ bought a portable tennis court several years ago and it has been installed in McKay Stadium for the tie, with players from both sides spending this week practising on it ahead of the tie.
Archer said the tie is being screened live on Sky in New Zealand and in Bosnia and Herzegovina, while the Davis Cup has an online TV channel where the game can be watched for free.
