8 January 2014
When South Africa takes on Monaco in a Davis Cup tie from 31 January to 2 February at the Irene Country Club just outside Pretoria it will be a return to a venue very familiar to long-time South African Davis Cup star Rik de Voest.
Although captain John-Laffnie de Jager has not yet named his team, De Voest is sure to be in it as he is ranked only behind Kevin Anderson among South Africans.
‘This is where my tennis started’
“We moved to Irene in 1984 and my parents joined the club. This is where I had my first introduction to tennis and I fondly remember hitting balls with my dad with a wooden racket, so effectively this is where my tennis started,” De Voest recalled in a statement on Tuesday.
“I took my first tennis lessons at the Irene Country Club and, because we lived close by, I made use of the courts frequently in my younger years.”
After De Voest turned professional, Irene Country Club became involved in a tennis initiative with the local farm school and De Voest gave the project his full support.
Successful programme
“Over the years I have been lucky enough to see the growth of this programme and follow the success of the players that have passed through it. I have always donated all my used tennis rackets and clothing and footwear to the programme over the years,” he said.
Recently the tennis side of the club has undergone a renovation, which included the addition of new courts. This has increased the popularity of tennis at the club and attracted new members.
‘Amazing’
“It would be amazing to play a Davis Cup tie at Irene Country Club,” said De Voest.” I believe the exposure to international players and the national team will further benefit the development and interest in tennis at Irene.
“Now nearing the end phase of my tennis career and with my long history with the club, it would be extra special to play a Davis Cup tie at Irene Country Club where it all began for me.”
Teams
South Africa and Monaco are expected to name their sides for the tie mid-January. According to Davis Cup rules, both teams have the right to name their squads up until 10 days before the commencement of the tie.
The tie will be played on a hard court with seats for 700 spectators.
All the matches are played as the best of five sets until a result has been achieved.
Admission will be free on first come first serve basis, for unreserved seats.
PROGRAMME
Friday, 31 January
- 09:45 – Opening Ceremony
- 10:00 – First singles match to be followed by second rubber immediately thereafter
Saturday 1 February
- 12:00 – Doubles Match
Sunday, 2 February
- 10:00 – First reverse singles match, followed by final singles match
SAinfo reporter