PRETORIA - A dominant South African Davis Cup team romped to a 5-0 win over Slovenia at the Irene Country Club on Sunday.
South Africa failed to lose a set in both reverse singles rubbers and were in firm control throughout play.
Both reverse singles 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," he said.
"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.
“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, and also acknowledged the contribution made by Neville Godwin as his consultant coach
On Saturday, the South African 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 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 ever played in South African Davis Cup history.
South Africa will now play Denmark, in Denmark in round 3 from 15-17 September 2017. The winner of this tie will be promoted to Group 1.