By Anthony Moruthane.
Photo Caption: From L-R: Lloyd Harris, Christo van Rensburg (captain) and Raven Klaasen at Thursday’s draw for their Davis Cup by Rakuten World Group I promotion playoff between South Africa and Israel in Ashdod on Friday and Saturday.
Ashdod, Israel, 03 March 2022 – With the national team banking on experience this week, top-ranked South African player Lloyd Harris is confident of leading a powerful squad against Israel in their Davis Cup by Rakuten World Group I playoff in Ashdod on Friday and Saturday.
Harris and Ruan Roelofse will compete in the opening round of singles matches, it was confirmed at the draw on Thursday, and Harris will turn out alongside Raven Klaasen in the doubles fixture.
Between them, 39-year-old Klaasen (20 caps), 32-year-old Roelofse (17) and 25-year-old Harris (10) have played 47 Davis Cup ties between them, and they are ready to hit their straps in the two-day clash, with a spot in World Group I on the line.
And while South Africa have lost both their previous Davis Cup ties against Israel, the visitors will turn out as favourites on paper in front of what is expected to be a packed and lively Israeli crowd.
“Everyone knows each other pretty well by this point, and we’ve had some really good training sessions this week, so we’re feeling confident,” Harris said.
“It’s always special to represent your country and I’m looking forward to another Davis Cup tie. I’m hungry to play at the moment and I want to fight for the result in every match.”
With a chance to climb out of World Group II in the international team competition, Klaasen says he too is as hungry as ever to deliver his best for the SA squad.
Harris, the SA No 1, will face the Israeli team’s No 2, Edan Leshem, in Friday’s opening singles match, and SA No 2 Roelofse will meet Israel’s No 1, Yshai Oliel, in the second singles rubber.
Harris will then pair up with Klaasen against Daniel Cukierman and Jonathan Erlich in the doubles contest on Saturday, followed by the reverse singles matches.
“Our collective goal is to try and get into the Davis Cup Finals, and I’m hoping to be able to continue contributing towards that cause,” Klaasen said.
“We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves, because we’ve got two singles ties first, but when I get my chance I hope I can deliver for the team.”
A two-time Grand Slam finalist, Klaasen (the world No 34) is the top-ranked doubles player from either side, while US Open quarter-finalist Harris is the top-ranked singles player (also No 34 in the world).
In contrast, Israeli veteran Erlich is perhaps their best player. A former world No 5 in doubles, who won the Australian Open title in the two-man format in 2008, he is currently ranked No 72 on the ATP doubles list.
Oliel is the host nation’s top-ranked singles player, at No 343 in the world, and they will need to be at their best on the hardcourt indoor court to stop the strong South African team from sweeping them aside.
“We’ve been working really hard this week, with two sessions a day, and I’m very happy with where the team is right now,” said SA captain Christo van Rensburg.
“We have a very well-balanced side in singles and doubles, with a lot of experience. Everyone knows how to do their jobs, and how to play on this court, so I’m confident I’ve picked a good team for this important tie.”