Tennis South Africa (TSA) has announced today that former top South African player Marcos Ondruska has been named Davis Cup captain of the South African team.

Ondruska (42) has been engaged for the next two years.

Earl Grainger, who has held the position for the last two years, has been retained as captain of the Fed Cup team. Grainger also stepped in as caretaker manager of the Davis Cup team following the resignation of John-Laffnie de Jager.

“We are greatly appreciative of the work Earl has done for us over the past couple of years and the dedication he has shown,” said TSA CEO Gavin Crookes.

“However, we decided to split the two positions again and having somebody with Marcos’s record and experience at the highest level of the game applying for the position the decision was made a lot easier to make.

“He applied for the job and we have appointed him for 2016 and 2017. I am delighted Marcos has accepted the position.”

Ondruska says he is extremely excited to take over as Davis Cup captain. “Davis Cup is something close to my heart and something I have a passion for. It is a team event in a sport that is played almost exclusively alone, which provides a great opportunity to learn.  Just as I learned from my former Davis Cup coaches in real-time lessons that helped me grow as a player, I would like to pass on what I learned to the younger guys.

“My years as a Davis Cup player have given me the experience to understand the format, be comfortable with it, and guide the players when things get close and the tie is on the line. I was fortunate enough to have played in numerous 2-2 matches and was successful in a lot of them.

“I am also looking to provide a United States base for our South African Players at the Van Der Meer academy. This is the next logical step for players who have collected enough points and have a start on the ATP rankings. There are numerous futures and challengers within driving distance from Hilton Head Island, South Carolina,” said Ondruska.

Ondruska, who was ranked as high as No 27 in the world, had a record of 13 wins and nine losses in Davis Cup and played along Wayne Ferreira and Grant Stafford.

He will be assisted by two consultants, one being former ATP and Davis Cup player Jeff Coetzee and the second to be announced later, in an effort to build a team for the future.

Grainger said he was proud to have been appointed Fed Cup coach once again. “I am honoured that TSA have belief in me as coach and my aim and objective is to continue on the road to success like we did this year.”

Ondruska’s first outing as captain will be against Luxembourg from 4 to 6, March 2016 at home in South Africa (venue still to be announced) whilst Grainger will lead his Fed Cup team in the Euro/Africa Zone Group 1 tournament in Eilat, Israel from 3 to 6, February, 2016.