Tennis: Sitak to make Davis Cup debut

Artem Sitak will make his Davis Cup debut for New Zealand next month. Photo / Getty Images

Russian-born Artem Sitak will make his Davis Cup debut for New Zealand after being named in the four-strong side for the tie against Uzbekistan next March.

The 25-year-old, ranked 351 in the world, is the only new name in the side which also features Michael Venus, Rubin Statham and Marcus Daniell. New Zealand's No.3 Dan King-Turner was not considered because of injury and 2010 Davis Cup player Austen Childs is still studying in the United States.

The Asia Oceania Group 1 tie will be played on March 4-6 on clay at Namangan in eastern Uzbekistan.

The selection of Sitak, who became eligible to play for New Zealand earlier this year, has been welcomed by Davis Cup captain Marcel Vos.

"Artem's eligibility for Davis Cup is a big boost to our squad and will add a lot of depth and options to our team,'' he said.

- NZPA