Local tennis star spearheads Fed Cup team

South Africa’s top-ranked women’s player, Chanel Simmonds from Van Riebeeck Park, has participated in a number of tournaments but the Fed Cup is still the one experience she treasures the most.

Born and bred in Kempton Park 26 years ago, the left-handed tennis ace will jet off to Luxembourg as part of team South Africa to represent the country in the Euro/Africa Zone Group 2 Fed Cup event taking place from February 6 to 9 at the National Tennis Centre, Esch-sur-Alzette.

Having participated in eight previous Fed Cup tournaments, Simmonds has carried the torch for women’s tennis in South Africa with pride.

She will spearhead the team again to solidify their position in Group 2 and will be looking to provide guidance for the younger players in the team.

“I have been playing professionally for the last 10 years and see myself as the leader of the group,” the left-handed Ekurhuleni tennis ace said.

“I like bouncing ideas off other players but it’s also important for me to share my knowledge and experience with them for the benefit of their development and for us as a team.

“We want to carry on with the momentum gained last year, being promoted from the Europe/Africa Group 3 stage. We are playing stronger countries this time around but I am confident the team will put in a good performance.

“We arrive five days before the start of the tournament in Luxembourg, so that will give us enough time to prepare as a team.

“I’m excited to be a part of the Fed Cup team. It’s always a great honour representing your country, whatever tournament it may be,” said Simmonds.

South Africa will know their opponents on February 5 at the official draw.