New tennis role for Dancevic
Niagara Falls native will coach Canada in upcoming Davis Cup
Niagara Falls native Frank Dancevic is taking the next step in his tennis career.
Dancevic, 33, has been named captain of the Canadian Davis Cup team, replacing veteran coach Martin Laurendeau, Tennis Canada announced last week.
“These are definitely big shoes to fill, as Martin has been an outstanding captain for our team,” said Dancevic, who now calls La Prairie, Que., home.
“No one will be able to replace him, It is an honour for me to take on this role as the Davis Cup has always been a special and important event for me. I know all the players well, which will be an asset for me moving forward. It is certainly a great challenge, but I have tremendous confidence in this team, and I am looking forward to our next tie in February.”
Dancevic will continue his career as a player. He is currently ranked world no. 361 in the ATP rankings, after having reached a career-high ranking of no. 65 in 2007.
Laurendeau stepped down to dedicate his time to coaching Denis Shapovalov. Dancevic made his Davis Cup debut as a player in 2002. Since then, he has posted a record of 18 wins, and 22 loses in 26 appearances with the team.
“Frank has played a significant role in the success of the team for almost two decades,” said coach Luis Borfiga, who oversees Tennis Canada’s program. “He has seen this team evolve over time. The players and Tennis Canada have full confidence in his ability to not only keep this team in the World Group but to aim even higher in the coming years.”
Laurendeau has been the team captain since 2004, in addition to occupying the role of team coach for 10 years and defending the Canadian flag as a player from 1986 to 1993. Under his leadership, Canada has been present in the World Group
since 2012 and reached the Davis Cup semifinals in 2013.
“After 15 years as captain, I have decided to step away from Davis Cup. It has been the highest honour to represent my country in all of the different roles that I have held over the last 34 years,” said Laurendeau. “Davis Cup is very intense and energy-consuming. Combining the captaincy and full-time coaching on the ATP Tour made for a relentlessly busy calendar. Thus, I have decided to step down and provide someone else with the opportunity to lead our Canadian team. Frank is one of Canada’s most experienced Davis Cup players, which will certainly serve him well in his new role. I am delighted to hand the torch to a former pupil, especially to one with whom I have shared many memories on the court. I wish all the best to Frank and the team. ”
Canada’s Davis Cup team will face Croatia in the World Group first round from Feb. 2 to 4.
Laurendeau told The Canadian Press that Dancevic’s first task would be making the mental transition from being a player to a job that is more like a coach.
“When you’re a player you only think about yourself, but when you’re a coach you have to think about others,” said Laurendeau. “It’s a 180-degree turn and, to me, it’s the toughest phase to complete.
“Frank has never coached, so there will be a transition period for him. But I think he has the respect of the active players, which is very important in Davis Cup.”
— With files from The Canadian Press and Tennis Canada
Frank has never coached, so there will be a transition period for him. But I think he has the respect of the active players, which is very important in Davis Cup.” Veteran tennis coach Martin Laurendeau