By TERRY MADDAFORD
Simon Rea arrived home from the United States early this morning, his sights set on next week's New Zealand Residential Championships and a third consecutive singles title.
Speaking to the Herald from Los Angeles, 21-year-old Rea said he had had his best year on the tough college circuit and
hoped to carry that form over to his summer at home.
"At one point during the season I was ranked inside the top 10, which is a lot higher than last year when I was at maybe 100.
"It was my best year for the college by a big leap. I probably finished with a 35-10 record."
Rea, playing No 1 for the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, has worked hard during the season and again in recent weeks as he prepares for his three big goals.
"I want to do well and have a shot at defending my residential title. I know that won't be easy given the results I have seen from the Caro Bowl," said Rea.
"If I can do that maybe I will get a wildcard into the Heineken Open and perhaps then get picked for the Davis Cup."
Rea is hankering for a chance to play for his country.
"Davis Cup is really important. I have wanted it for a long time. I was disappointed when I couldn't get back to play this year.
"It was a freak set of circumstances which cost me the chance to come back for the tie. I have already looked at the calendar for next year and there are no matches scheduled over here [in the US] that week."
Two years ago, Rea was in the Davis Cup squad for the tie against Indonesia, which was played in Invercargill.
"I didn't play then, but hopefully I might get a chance this time."
Asked whether he would be available for doubles, Rea said he would play "whatever the captain wants".
Rea, who beat Alistair Hunt in last year's residential final, will return to university in January and be there until May, when he will complete his degree in journalism.
He said he had done a lot of hours on court and in the gym and plenty of running in preparation for his return.
"I've given myself the best chance. "But I needed to. GD [Jones] and Shorty [James Shortall] are playing well.
"I'm impressed with the field they have for the Heineken Open.
"I hope I get a chance to play again and do a bit better than last time when I lost in the first round to [eventual finalist] Dominik Hrbaty."
The residential championships follow the national under-18 championships which start today.
Both tournaments will be played for the first time at the Tennis Centre in Albany.
By TERRY MADDAFORD
Simon Rea arrived home from the United States early this morning, his sights set on next week's New Zealand Residential Championships and a third consecutive singles title.
Speaking to the Herald from Los Angeles, 21-year-old Rea said he had had his best year on the tough college circuit and
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