Davis Cup team quietly confident

TOUGH: TIE AGAINST PORTUGAL ON CLAY AWAITS SA

hough they must overcome strong opponents on an unfavourable surface in poor conditions away from home, national captain Marcos Ondruska remains confident the SA men’s tennis team can emerge triumphant from their Davis Cup Euro-Africa Group One relegation tie against Portugal starting in Lisbon today.

“It’s safe to say that as a group they are in the best possible condition,” Ondruska said of his squad this week, in the build-up to the battle which they must win to retain their place in the second tier of the international men’s team competition.

“Philip Henning was the last player to arrive [on Wednesday] morning. We have had some good practice sessions on the clay, and the players are healthy and ready.”

Though the first members of the squad had arrived to wet conditions over the weekend, Ondruska said they had sufficient indoor facilities to prepare for the crucial clash.

“We have been lucky to have the indoor clay facilities to practice on with the weather being temperamental, so we have not lost out on important clay court time since we arrived in Lisbon,” the skipper said.

While the clay surface could add another dimension to their challenge against a full-strength Portuguese team, Ondruska was optimistic about their chances in the two-day tie.

The SA team, consisting of singles prospect Lloyd Harris, veteran doubles specialist Raven Klaasen, Nik Scholtz, Ruan Roelofse and uncapped teenager teenager Henning, were preparing to face a formidable home side led by world No 43 Joao Sousa.

“I’m confident that we will be ready for the tie,” Ondruska said.

“These players campaign around the world and encounter various conditions, and they have to learn to adapt.

“We expected Portugal as hosts to hand us a slower surface. That’s their home advantage, so my team are adjusting their mind set and settling well on the clay and in the conditions.”