Davis Cup on home soil a major boost, says local tennis boss
TENNIS Jamaica President John Azar says hosting the 2023 Davis Cup on local soil would be a plus for the country — not only as it regards the development of the sport but also as it relates to an opportunity for local fans to witness international tennis in their backyard.
The draws for the Davis Cup, which took place at the International Tennis Federation (ITF) offices in London, England, on Tuesday, September 20 will see 48 nations competing in 24 ties to be played in cities around the world, with the choice of dates determined by the host nation.
Jamaica will host Estonia, which is ranked at number 9, in the World Group II Play-offs in Jamaica 30, 2023.
Losing nations from the World Group I Play-offs and winning nations from the World Group II Playoffs will compete in World Group II ties in September 2023. Losing nations from the World Group II Play-offs will compete in Regional Group III events later in 2023.
While Azar is excited to have the opportunity to host a tie like this on home soil, he said his focus is on getting the right venue to host a successful event.
“We are excited about the opportunity to host an event of this magnitude on local soil. It is set to be a home tie for us and will be the first time [in] maybe over a decade that we have had the opportunity, and is something that we certainly will be looking forward to,” Azar told the Jamaica Observer.
“We have the opportunity here to host the event and so, obviously, Tennis Jamaica will be looking for a suitable venue and putting all in place to ensure that we have a successful Davis Cup Tie here on local soil,” he continued.
Azar also said that his association is set to host several tournaments in an attempt to strengthen and showcase the top players for the Davis Cup.
“I think right now tennis is on a big high. We have a record number of tournaments being held in all categories as we will have junior tournaments, we are having a successful amateur series, and we will be having three pro events during October. And so, definitely, the exposure is good.
“I would say that the sport is on the right trajectory, and I think it augurs well for what is to come. I mean, we are going to host two more international juniors tournaments in November — ITF tournaments — and, if everything goes according to plan, we be hosting some ITF future events in 2023 on local soil.
“I think it is a great opportunity for Jamaican players to compete at that level to showcase the skills on local soil, and it is also a great opportunity to get tennis fans supporting the sport as well,” the president opined.