Statham poised for record
Rubin Statham has battled through injury issues and a decade on the pro circuit to become New Zealand’s most capped Davis Cup player.
The 29-year-old is level with Onny Parun’s mark of 25 ties and is set to break his record when he lines up in the opening singles rubber on Friday at Christchurch’s Wilding Park indoor tennis centre against Pakistan.
Auckland’s Statham debuted as a 17-year-old against Kazakhstan in 2005, the youngest Kiwi men’s player in history, losing in straight sets to Alexey Kedryuk.
He’s only missed one tie since and said it would be a satisfying achievement given his elbow and shoulder problems over the last few years and other illness.
‘‘It’s kind of an honour to be able to play that many times for your country. Davis Cup is something special.
‘‘It’s a really good achievement and something I’ve been looking forward to achieving for some time now.’’
Representing New Zealand and matching up against well-resourced larger tennis nations in the AsiaOceania zone was a refreshing change from the grind of the tour, he said.
Statham has a 20 win-14 loss Davis Cup singles record and is 2-0 in doubles appearances.
He labelled last year’s 4-1 group one quarter-final victory over China in Auckland as a memorable highlight.
Overcoming Thailand 3-2 in their own conditions in a group two final in 2010 also stuck out.
Statham claimed the deciding rubber against Sanchai Ratiwatana and said it was a thrill to be promoted to group one.
Last year, New Zealand were on the verge of their first world group playoff in 16 years, but were pipped 3-2 by India.
With a settled team, including Michael Venus and Marcus Daniell, both ranked in the world top 60 for doubles, Statham was positive about the future.
‘‘We’re a small country, but the top four or five guys, we’ve developed really well over the years with our games.
‘‘We’re in a position now, where we can beat these bigger countries like China and get into good positions like last year. [World group playoffs] that’s definitely a goal for us.’’
Statham had a career-high singles ranking of 279 in February 2013, but is at 419 these days.
He has been slogging it out in second tier Challenger Tour events and Futures tournaments, winning 10 matches to earn a wildcard into the US Open qualifying draw last month.
His body was in the best condition it had been in a long time.
‘‘The last four or five months I’ve been playing injury-free. I’ve been playing well in a few tournaments.
‘‘The body is staying in one piece. That’s the main thing.’’
New Zealand captain Alistair Hunt said Statham deserved credit for always making himself available for selection.
Even after 12 years as a pro, he was still passionate about returning to play for his country.
‘‘Being the most capped guy, it shows how long he’s been out there playing tennis. Full respect to the guy, it’s a fantastic effort.
‘‘He’s been a great team member and a real anchor in there.’’
Statham had no plans to finish up his pro career and was determined to reduce his ranking and play painfree successful tennis.
He was excited to be back in New Zealand for the first time since February and was looking forward to a week off in Auckland after the tie.
Wellington’s Finn Tearney, New Zealand’s top-ranked singles player at 362, is poised to debut against Pakistan.
He and Statham are expected to contest the singles, with the Olympic combination of Venus and Daniell teaming up in the doubles.
The singles rubbers are on Friday and Sunday with the doubles on Saturday.