By TERRY MADDAFORD
Brett Steven admits he would probably be competitive in a Davis Cup tie, but says there is no incentive for him to return to the big time.
New Zealand's most successful player of the past decade has retired from the ATP Tour and Davis Cup, but still shows
out as a handy player in the Caro Bowl interclub competition.
The suggestion that Steven could again be in the Davis Cup frame follows a fall-off at the top of New Zealand tennis.
Mark Nielsen remains the highest-ranked New Zealander on ATP rankings at around 270 (singles) and 220 (doubles).
At 325, Dan Willman is next best, but it appears he is about to quit to concentrate on coaching, which would leave James Shortall (at 840) as a likely second choice.
Perennial Davis Cupper Alistair Hunt remains a contender, but he is not ranked these days because he no longer chases ATP tournaments.
Non-playing captain Glenn Wilson will name his team to play Pakistan (from February 7-9) in early January, but admits he has no firm ideas yet.
Wilson admits he has asked Steven over the past couple of years if he would be available.
"All I get is a wry grin," Wilson said. "But I still think he would be one of our best."
Steven says playing away in Pakistan holds no interest for him. Had the tie been scheduled for NZ, he says, "I guess I would look at it."
He is more concerned, however, at the outlook for the game here.
"There is certainly not enough of an incentive for me to want to make any commitment to the Davis Cup.
"I have had no relationship with New Zealand Tennis for some time.
"It is a shame our Davis Cup stakes are so low. It would be hard for me to go back and give the same commitment as I gave the cup in the past.
"While I'm still capable [of playing at that level], it is a bit of an indictment on the state of the game here that I, and others, should even be thinking about it."
Steven says there is not enough incentive - financial or otherwise - for him to take what would be a "romantic trip" back to the international stage.
He has other concerns now that the national funding body Sparc has relegated tennis to the ranks of "participation sports," virtually cutting funding at the top level.
Although the tie is scheduled to be played in Pakistan - probably on grass in Lahore - the situation on the subcontinent will be monitored before NZ's participation is confirmed.
Wilson will watch the national residential championships late next month before naming his team - probably at the Heineken Open in January.
By TERRY MADDAFORD
Brett Steven admits he would probably be competitive in a Davis Cup tie, but says there is no incentive for him to return to the big time.
New Zealand's most successful player of the past decade has retired from the ATP Tour and Davis Cup, but still shows
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