Ferreira to boost Davis Cup team

The South African Davis Cup captain, Marcos Ondruska, confirmed that former South African world top ten player Wayne Ferreira, who grew up in Johannesburg South and currently lives in the USA, would consult to his Davis Cup team.

Ferreira’s highest world ranking was number six, on May 8, 1995.

Ondruska confirmed this at the pre-draw media conference on January 31. South Africa will play Estonia in the Euro Africa Group II tie this coming weekend, at Irene Country Club.

“I am delighted to confirm that Wayne has agreed to act as a consultant to the team and I in the Davis Cup, and we look forward to him helping us with our objectives to get the country back into the world grouping,” he said. “We’ve talked about this in the past and now we have the chance to work together.”

Ferreira said that he was delighted to be able to help his ‘best friend’ out and said that Tennis South Africa was wise in appointing Ondruska as Davis Cup captain. “Marcos has a wealth of experience under his belt, not only as a player but more so as a Davis Cup player. We are best of friends and for a long time Marcos has been speaking to me about giving something meaningful back to the game in his home country. I wanted to help him out in his role as Davis Cup captain and agreed to take on the consultant role.”

“We collectively have a plan for Davis Cup in South Africa and know exactly where we want it to be in a few years. I hope to play a role in the success of those objectives, having seen the talent we have on offer that can boost the Davis Cup team’s efforts – and, combined with the experience of the older players, lots can be achieved,” said Ferreira.

Ondruska said that the mood in his squad was good since jetting into the country on Sunday. “We are delighted to be back as a team at Irene Country Club, a fantastic venue that has been very kind to us and offered us incredible service and hospitality.”

Raven Klaasen said he was happy to be back in the green and gold. “Davis Cup is really special to me and an important part of my schedule. When you wear the green and gold and go onto the court it is very different as you’re not only playing for yourself, but for your team and country.”

Klaasen, the country’s top ranked doubles player (13), is expected to spearhead the South African doubles challenge on Saturday with Ruan Roelofse.

Squads:

Team South Africa: Lloyd Harris (singles: 284, doubles: 793),Tucker Voster (singles: 644, doubles: 272), Nik Scholtz (singles: 522, doubles: 314), Raven Klaasen(doubles: 13) and Ruan Roelofse (singles: 1 653, doubles: 177). Captain: Marcos Ondruska.

Team Estonia: Jürgen Zopp (singles: 317, doubles: 412), Vladimir Ivanov (singles: 442, doubles: 485), Kenneth Raisma (singles: 706, doubles: 1 061), Mattias Siimar (singles: 1 511, doubles: 0). Captain: Ekke Tiideman.

The Davis Cup takes place from February 3 to 5, at Irene Country Club, Pretoria. Tickets are available at www.webtickets.co.za.

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