SA youngsters given their head
ATP CUP: COETZEE’S MEN TO FACE DJOKOVIC-LED SERBIA
Team South Africa will get its campaign underway at the ATP Cup today, as first-time captain and renowned ATP coach Jeff Coetzee leads a young team in the inaugural team event.
The international men’s event is currently being staged in three different Australian cities (Perth, Brisbane and Sydney) from January 3-10, in the lead-up to the year’s first Grand Slam, the Australian Open, and will feature teams from 24 countries.
Coetzee said that his team were feeling comfortable, confident and working hard in their preparation.
“It has been a great few days of preparations. Everyone in the team is feeling good and ready to go. The whole team has prepared well thus far.”
“I absolutely love team competitions. The whole team is in good spirits and it is so fitting to start the year in a team competition,” added the 42-year-old Coetzee.
South Africa will play their opener in Group A against Serbia in Brisbane.
Coetzee said South Africa are a well-balanced side of youth and experienced with Kevin Anderson and Raven Klaasen in the mix, but admitted it will be tough playing a Serbian team spearheaded by world No 2, Novak Djokovic.
“On paper, we are underdogs but from my experience in team competitions, anything is possible on the day if we trust and believe we can beat them.
“It’s great to have Kevin in the team, he is an asset, a great professional and he will help to put us in a great position.”
Anderson will make a welcome return to the ATP Tour for the first time in six months, representing Team South Africa at the ATP Cup, which is being held in Brisbane.
Anderson has not played competitively since early July due to a right knee injury, will lead Team South Africa in Brisbane alongside Lloyd Harris, Ruan Roelofse, Kholo Montsi and Raven Klaasen.
Anderson will be looking to put South Africa on the front foot in the opening singles rubber on Saturday with the in-form Harris nominated to play the second singles rubber. The doubles rubber was left for Klaasen and his Davis Cup partner Roelofse.
The tie will be broadcast from 9.30am (SA time). – Sport24