NZ to host Group 1 Davis Cup tie against Venezuela

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Friday 4pm | Saturday 12pm
Courtside boxes and general admission tickets starting from $10

New Zealand has been awarded home advantage for the Davis Cup Group 1 play-off against Venezuela. The Davis Cup Committee has taken the decision that the tie on the 6th and 7th of March be relocated to New Zealand in line with regulation 27.4.2 of the Davis Cup Rules and Regulations.

The tie was due to take place at the agreed neutral venue of Miami. However, the Committee reserves the right to relocate a tie in order to ensure that Davis Cup hosting requirements are met. It’s been agreed that New Zealand will host the tie with Venezuela considered the visiting nation. Tennis NZ CEO Julie Paterson has welcomed the change.

“As you can imagine Tennis NZ is very excited to be given this opportunity and we are very happy to support the ITF in this decision.” Paterson said.

Captain Alistair Hunt has named a strong side to contest the new look Davis Cup World Group 1 Playoff tie against Venezuela on the 6th and 7th of March.

Stalwart Rubin Statham returns having not played since February last year due to hip surgery. He joins doubles specialists ATP pros Marcus Daniell and Artem Sitak, 21 year old Ajeet Rai and Finn Tearney who won the New Zealand Championships in December.

Michael Venus has made himself unavailable for the tie as he juggles family and travel with his baby Lila. Hunt says it's a strong team for a tie they believe is a very winnable, especially at home.

"Marcus and Artem give us strength and experience for the doubles rubber and while it would have been nice to have Mike, I understand his decision due to juggling family commitments." Hunt said.

"Finn played extremely well over the New Zealand summer and deserves his place while having Rubin fit and healthy again is invaluable. Ajeet continues to develop and I have been impressed with his progress since playing qualifying at the ASB Classic last month."

Auckland’s ASB Tennis Arena has been chosen as the host venue and will be the first Davis Cup tie held in New Zealand in three years.

Also, David Long from Stuff wrote this interesting article about team selection for this tie.  Read on here. 

TICKETS ON SALE HERE!