Kiwis hope Wimbledon success can earn share of spotlight
LONDON: Inspired by the Grand Slam heroics of compatriot Michael Venus, Wimbledon doubles contender Artem Sitak hopes New Zealand’s emerging tennis stars will spike the sport’s popularity in his rugby-obsessed country.
Sitak is part of a talented group of Kiwis thriving on the world tour without receiving much publicity back home, where the All Blacks’ rugby exploits against the British and Irish Lions hog the headlines.
Venus made history last month when he became the first New Zealander to win a Grand Slam title since 1979 by lifting the French Open men’s doubles crown with American partner Ryan Harrison.
Following Venus’s example, Russia-born Sitak is making waves after moving into the third round of the men’s doubles at Wimbledon with American partner Nicolas Monroe.
But while the All-Blacks are followed avidly by their legion of fans, tennis hasn’t made the breakthrough in the same way -something that Sitak would love to change with a strong run at Wimbledon.
“I wish it would get more coverage, especially now with three of us playing at a really high doubles level,” said Sitak after he and partner Olga Savchuk were knocked out of the mixed doubles on Saturday.
“Marina Erakovic being a top 100 singles player as well. From a very small country I think that’s massive.
“Mike Venus winning the French Open was absolutely amazing. We also produced some good results in Davis Cup. We just recently beat Korea to stay in Group 1, which is a huge achievement for us.
While Sitak, 31, would enjoy seeing tennis in the spotlight, he is already relishing life in New Zealand now that he has gained citizenship along with his Ukrainian wife.
“I went through the immigration process. It was a very long process. A lot of people helped me,” he said.
“It turned out perfectly. My wife and I live there. We’re both New Zealand citizens and we’re both really happy there.”
Inspired by Venus’s doubles triumph in Paris and relishing his time on Wimbledon’s grass courts, Sitak believes he and Monroe are capable of emulating his compatriot’s Grand Slam victory.
“Grass is my favourite surface. I wish the season would be longer. It’s only five weeks so I’ve got to make the most of it,” he said.