Scholtz keen to ‘set vibe’ in key Davis Cup encounter
IT has fallen on the shoulders of Nik Scholtz to provide South Africa with the perfect start to their Euro / Africa Group II Davis Cup tie against Denmark in Aarhus, Denmark, today.
The Danish players have throughout the week said South Africa are the favourites.
Overall, the SA players have a better world ranking collectively and that makes them favourites. However, by virtue of Denmark’s Davis Cup history over the last while, they are seeded fourth.
In contrast, South Africa who have been battling their way up from Davis Cup’s lower-tier competitions in the past few years, are not seeded.
In the opening rubber, SA’s No 2 Scholtz (402) comes up against the vastly experienced Denmark No 1 Frederik Nielsen (557).
The 34-year-old Nielson has a Grand Slam pedigree which is unmatched by any other player in this tie. He was a singles quarter-finalist in three of the four majors and was a 2012 Wimbledon doubles winner with Britain’s Jonathan Marray.
The 26-year-old Scholtz has one main draw Major appearance in singles and doubles but he is relishing the prospect of securing a winning start for South Africa.
“It gives me the chance to provide the team with momentum to carry into the next singles match,” said Scholtz. “But it really it doesn’t make a difference... I prefer playing first.
“The obvious benefit of winning the first rubber is that the No 2 does not face a ‘must win’ clash.
“When you play first, your role is vital and could determine the vibe for the rest of the tie.”
A composed Nielsen said: “I am the senior player in the team and my role is to help give direction, so I’m pleased to be first up”.
He is a Davis Cup stalwart with 14 seasons under his belt.