Mersin, Turkey – The main group of players making up the South African Davis Cup team arrived safely in Mersin, Turkey on Sunday ahead of this weekend’s Euro/Africa Group 2 Davis Cup tie.
“Fritz Wolmarans, Tucker Vorster and Ruan Roelofse have arrived all in good spirit” confirmed Tennis South Africa (TSA) Board Member Clark Coetzee who will be representing the national tennis association at the tie.
“ The guys have spent a lot of time together and also shared a room for most of the time they have been in Turkey over the past weeks playing tournaments leading up to the tie. Team spirit is high.”
“I had dinner with the team last night (Sunday) and they were extremely positive about being part of the team representing South Africa” confirmed Coetzee.
After winning the Futures doubles title last week in Antalya, Turkey, Roelofse and Vorster feel confident going into the tie.
The South African team will start their training today (Monday).
Raven Klaasen the South African doubles specialist will jet into Turkey and join his team mates late Monday afternoon.
Earl Grainger the South African Captain said that the facilities were very good. “We are very happy with our hotel and the stadium where we will be playing the tie. The facilities are great. After practice on Monday we will be able to give a better assessment of the hard indoor surface. My team are in real good spirit which will set a positive tone for the week.”
The tie will be played from 6-8 March at the Mersin Tennis Complex in Mersin, Turkey.
The teams are as follows;
Turkey
Marsel Ilhan (Singles 77 Doubles 1211)
Cem Ilkel (Singles 404 Doubles 448)
Baris Erguden (Singles 600 Doubles 662)
Anil Yuksel (Singles 816 Doubles 560)
Captain: Haluk Akkoyun
South Africa
Fritz Wolmarans (Singles 427 Doubles 1166)
Tucker Vorster (Singles 446 Doubles 403)
Ruan Roelofse (Singles 453 Doubles 248)
Raven Klaasen (Doubles 29)
Captain: Earl Grainger