Five veto top coach

TENNIS NZ chief executive Steve Johns insists Marcel Vos’ job as national coach is not at risk despite a vote of no confidence.

Johns has received a letter from five leading regional selectors and coaches, saying they no longer had faith in Vos and could not work with him. Johns, at the Australian Open last week for meetings, said he believed in the abilities of Vos but would address the concerns.

‘‘I have spoken with all of the coaches and said we’re not going to shy away from it; we’re going to sit down and talk with you about it.

‘‘We’re trying to build a team and that’s not going to work if all of our coaches are saying they’re not going to work with someone like Marcel. We need to have some dialogue and see if we can change behaviours on both sides.

‘‘I don’t think the finger can just be pointed at Marcel – the whole group needs to have a good look at themselves.

‘‘I am pretty disappointed that a confidential letter that was only known about by six people has somehow ended up in the media.

‘‘But the only reason why this letter came was because I said to them I wanted to get direct and honest feedback. If you have an issue, be up front about it and we’ll work through it. So they have and we’ll start that process when I get back.

‘‘I haven’t discussed it with Marcel yet; he won’t be surprised. The relationship hasn’t been fantastic between both parties.’’

Johns believes friction arose between Tennis NZ and the six regions because the national federation wants more control of talented players coming through.

Meanwhile, there has been another change in the Davis Cup captaincy, with Alistair Hunt replacing Lan Bale.

Bale was appointed part-time as junior development coach and to act as the Davis Cup captain but was found not to have enough time for both roles.

Matt Simpson has been added to the squad for next month’s tie against Lebanon in Albany, replacing Michael Venus, who is playing elsewhere.