Tennis: Money not right to mention for NZ Davis Cup team

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Any player asking "how much" can forget about playing Davis Cup under new captain Bruce Derlin.

The non-playing boss of the New Zealand team says he is interested only in players who want to play for the honour - not dollars - of representing their country.

"All the players I have here in Invercargill are here for the right reason," said Derlin. "Unlike some, they did not ask about money. They will, of course, get paid but that is not a priority. Anyone who asks me about money will be out.

"Look at players like Andre Agassi. No one can ever convince me they play Davis Cup for money."

Money aside, Derlin faces the biggest challenge since his playing days when New Zealand meet India in their Asia/Oceania group one tie today. But it is one he relishes.

"The nerves are there but they are a little different as a coach than as a player," said Derlin, who takes the reins for the first since replacing Glenn Wilson in the key role. "But no matter how I might feel, it is important I remain, outwardly at least, cool and calm.

"I don't want the players becoming unnecessarily nervous."

Derlin played with some of the country's best players of the past couple of decades, including Chris Lewis, Jeff and Russell Simpson, Kelly Evernden, Brett Steven and Steve Guy.

He is convinced the players he has in the Deep South, Mark Nielsen, Simon Rea, Dan King-Turner and Matt Prentice are the future of the sport.

"When I was given the job, I was determined we should make a fresh start and build for the future. I see these guys as being part of the team I want to build over the next three or four years."

Asked whether he thought his greenhorns - only Nielsen has tasted cup action - had a chance against an Indian team who have beaten New Zealand 4-1 home and away in the past two years, Derlin did not hesitate.

"Absolutely. Our guys are playing well. At this level it often comes down to just one or two vital points a set. I have every confidence in our players to step up.

"Davis Cup is a strange phenomenon. It is strange to have someone watching from the side of the court. It is not like a tournament where you have to play a series of matches. That's the beauty of it.

"If things go as I think they should, we could be a contender in the World Group in three or four years. Our young players like Prentice and King-Turner are serving huge. In matches like these that is a big advantage.

"Along with that, we have the steadying influence of Mark Nielsen. These guys all give 100 per cent - except Simon Rea, who gives 120 per cent. There is a feeling amongst the players of wanting to help each other.

"This is helping build a really strong team spirit which, as a small nation, is important."

Derlin said he was comfortable with playing the tie indoors in Invercargill on a surface he was sure would suit his charges.

"We have had the advantage of playing indoors in the past couple of weeks with the bad weather sending the Canterbury and Wellington championships indoors. The surface here is faster than those we played on so that will be a help."

Derlin made his cup debut in 1982, replacing New Zealand's most successful player, Onny Parun, in the team who beat Italy 3-2 in the quarter-finals. They lost to France by the same score in the semifinals. It stands as New Zealand's most successful Cup campaign - and provides plenty of incentive for Derlin's young side of today.

Bruce Derlin

Born: Sydney, November 28, 1961

To New Zealand: 1965.

School: Auckland Grammar.

Debut for NZ: v Italy (away).

Davis Cup ties: 15.

Highest ATP ranking: 105 singles; 81 doubles.

Best results: 3rd round Australian Open singles 1985; 3rd round Wimbledon doubles 1990