Local governing body Tennis Jamaica is in its final phase of preparations ahead of hosting the 2023 Davis Cup Qualifier, the first since 2007.
Team Jamaica will host Estonia in a World Group Two qualifying tie over two days on Saturday, February 4 and Sunday, February 5 on the resurfaced courts at the Eric Bell National Tennis Centre in St. Andrew.
“I’m extremely pleased, we haven’t hosted it (Davis Cup) in over 15 years, so it’s something that we are very, very proud of, and we are looking forward to putting on a first-class production. The courts and the lighting are also first class and I’m excited for our players who will have the opportunity to showcase their skills here in Jamaica,” noted Tennis Jamaica president John Azar, during a press conference on Thursday.
He added. “I would say that the last time that Jamaica had qualified for the Group Two in the Davis Cup was 2009 so, in the past three years we have qualified which clearly speaks to, in my mind, (that) we’re doing something right for the future.”
Jamaica’s team comprises John Chin, Blaise Bicknell, Jacob Bicknell, Rowland “Randy” Phillips, and Daniel Azar. It will be captained and coached by Mel Spence.
The best-of-five format begins with two singles matches at 3:00 p.m. on the first day, with doubles taking centre stage on the second day beginning at 1:00 p.m.
The Tennis Jamaica president noted that the Eric Bell National Tennis Centre will be able to accommodate 1200 spectators and the sale of admission tickets has been going well, even as he urged supporters to turn out in their numbers to support the team.
“Ticket sales are going well; they only went out on Wednesday and they are going very well. I’m encouraging persons to purchase tickets early so God’s willing we are looking towards a sold-out crowd here inclusive of a very vibrant and loud atmosphere as team competitions like these tend to be. I’m not only looking forward to winning the tie, but also hearing from the International Tennis Federation that we had the loudest crowd they’ve heard in a long time,” said Azar.
Captain Spence acknowledged that college commitments have restricted the early arrival of some of his players, but he’s confident that the time spent together last December will put the players in good stead for this most important tie against Estonia.
“Preparations have gone fantastic, they (players) were here in December, and they got to play against some good players from Barbados and The Bahamas and they did incredibly well then, so I think they are well prepared,” Spence said.
“Thank God for technology. We speak to each other on a daily basis. We’re sending videos to each other of workouts that we’re doing or what our opponents may be doing. We’re keeping the vibe up so thank God for technology. We’re able to keep that bond despite being thousands of miles away from each other.”
The visitors are scheduled to start arriving from Monday, with some members of Team Jamaica slated to arrive as late as February 3, the eve of the tie.
“It’s not ideal, but as I said our players are currently in competition, and as far as jelling goes, we are keeping in close contact on a regular and daily basis, so I’m concerned, yes, but I have to work with what I have,” he concluded.
The 12 winners of this round of World Group Two play-offs will qualify for the 2023 Davis Cup World Group II.
