Fed (C)up with SA women

FOLLOWING the South African Fed Cup teams relegation to Europe/Africa Group 3 in Lithuania last weekend, Tennis South Africa (TSA) announced they will be rebuilding and looking to the future, with regard to women’s tennis in the country.

South Africa failed to win a tie in the four matches played last week at the Siauliai Tennis School in Siauliai. This resulted in South Africa being relegated into the Europe/Africa Group 3 from next year.

Earl Grainger, South African Fed Cup captain said that as disappointing as the week was for him and his team, the players put in every effort but were outclassed by better performers on the day.

He added: “The week was really tough. We played really good nations who had some very competent and experienced players ranked in the world’s top 100 singles and doubles, and the depth of the talent in our opposition was the big difference.”

South Africa, two years ago, lost their long-standing No 1, Chani Scheepers, through retirement. In her penultimate year on the Pro Tour, Scheepers made herself available for Fed Cup duty after an absence of many years and almost singlehandedly helped South Africa to promotion.

“Chani was a star player and one star player can make such a difference. With South Africa not having a top-150 player, we are challenged and that’s why as much as it’s a disappointment to have been relegated, it gives TSA the opportunity to rebuild using our talented junior base and work towards the future and get our Fed Cup team into the higher groups” continued Grainger.

Richard Glover, chief executive of TSA, agreed with Grainger. “We are taking immediate action to put women’s tennis back on a growth trajectory. We have some exciting young female talent.” – ANA