KIA South Africa romp to a 5-0 win over Slovenia in Davis Cup
(Pretoria) April 10, 2017 – A dominant South African Davis Cup team romped to a 5-0 win over Slovenia at the Irene Country Club, Pretoria, on Sunday, showing firm control throughout play. Both reverse singles on Sunday were reduced to best of three tie break sets, as the tie had already been decided.
Lloyd Harris and Nik Scholtz dominated to give South Africa the clean sweep. Harris beat Tilen Zitnik 6-3 6-3, whilst Scholtz beat Tomislav Ternar 6-2 6-4 in front of a large, enthusiastic crowd.
Marcos Ondruska, the South African Captain, said he couldn’t be happier with the clean sweep. “I am extremely happy and proud of my team. Everything worked for us this weekend and my players executed well and really lifted their games to the highest level I’ve seen since taking over captaincy. The boys kept composed and put on a good show. We lost only two sets in five rubbers played all weekend, which showed the form of the entire team was on point.”
Ondruska said that the solid win as a team effort. “The entire squad have got on extremely well and this played a huge part in the weekend success. The guys have had a fun time and made the most of every opportunity which helped a lot with the win.” Ondruska also thanked squad members Tucker Vorster, Siphos Montsi and trainer Karen van der Merwe for their valuable contributions. Ondruka also acknowledged the contribution made by Neville Godwin as his consultant coach.
On Saturday, the KIA South Africa doubles team of Raven Klaasen and Ruan Roelofse sealed the tie with a straight set win over Grega Zemlja and Tomislav Ternar 7-6 (6) 6-2 6-4. Harris and Scholtz both opened procedures on Friday with impressive wins. Harris trounced Mike Urbanija 6-1 6-1 6-2, whilst Scholtz came from behind to upset Zemlja 3-6 6-7 (1) 7-6 (6) 7-6 (4) 7-6 (7) in one of the most epic rubbers played in South African Davis Cup history.
South Africa will now play Denmark, in Denmark, in round 3 from 15 to 17 September 2017. The winner of this tie will be promoted to Group 1.
Via: KIA South Africa
Image: Lloyd Harris of South Africa in action against Tilen Zitnik (SLO) during the reverse singles of the Davis Cup tie between South Africa and Slovenia at the Irene Country Club on April 09, 2017 in Pretoria, South Africa