Johannesburg - South African Davis Cup captain Marcos Ondruska on Wednesday announced his team led by doubles specialist Raven Klaasen to play against Lithuania later this month.
Lithuania will host South Africa in the second round of Group II Europe/Africa Zone from July 15 to 17 in Kaunas, Lithuania. Lloyd Harris, Tucker Vorster, Klaasen and Ruan Roelofse were the men selected to duty for South Africa.
Kevin Anderson and Dean O'Brien were unavailable for the Tie. Klaasen South Africa's highest world ranked doubles player - at number 16 in the doubles rankings - makes a welcome return to Davis Cup.
Ondruska said that he was excited to have Klaasen on the team for this tie. “Raven's experience should prove vital in leading this team through what we expect to be a closely contested Tie.”
Harris, meanwhile, should spearhead the singles attack as the highest ranked singles player in the squad. “Lloyd is our young gun with a big game, extremely talented and he played a solid debut singles rubber against Luxembourg and will be an important part of the team,” said Ondruska.
Ondruska said that Vorster had been working hard on his game recently and boasted improved fitness and strength. Another senior player, Roelofse who is concentrating on doubles on the professional circuit, is expected to partner Klaasen for the tie. Ondruska said that he welcomes Roelofse making himself available for the tie.
“I'm looking to Ruan and Raven merging well together and bringing the important doubles rubber South Africa's way.” The last time the two teams met was in 2014 when Lithuania defeated South Africa 3-2 in a tough tie at the Irene Country Club, Pretoria.
Lithuania beat their first round opponents Norway 3-2. South Africa served up a 5-0 victory over their first round opponents Luxembourg.
Both teams are playing for the chance to reach the third round of Group II Europe/Africa. Lithuania will confirm their team on Wednesday.
African News Agency