SH: Why did you withdraw from the SA Davis Cup team?
KA: The main reason was that I am in the process of applying for a US green card (permanent residence). An application for a green card takes 3-4 months. During this time you are not allowed to leave the United States. You have to get permission to travel, which usually takes 6-8 weeks to get, but with no guarantee. You also have to be within the United States to apply. It was alleged that I knew about the Davis Cup and questioned why I didn’t apply earlier. I got married at the end of November, so obviously I could not apply in December, knowing I was leaving for Australia and New Zealand towards the end of December. I applied the day I got back from my trip to Australia this year. I have hired an immigration lawyer to help speed up the process and to get me permission to travel (including paying a lot to get my unabridged birth certificate expedited from South Africa). Best case scenario it could be ready the Wednesday before the Davis Cup is set to begin, again with no guarantee.
SH: Will you be looking to become an American citizen?
KA: That is something that is hard to say now; it would depend on future circumstances. I am married to an American girl so it would seem most likely I would apply for dual citizenship. I am applying for my green card now as I need the security of being able to come and go out of the US. I could not have done this any other time other than in this period when I am in the US.
SH: Will you no longer be available for SA in the Davis Cup?
KA: Every decision I have made on whether to play Davis Cup or not has been based on what is best for my career. I do not receive financial support from Tennis SA to help with my yearly expenses. Last year, we were able to come to an agreement and I was able to play. However, this has not always been the case. So it will have to depend on my schedule, and whether from TSA they understand that I am employing a coach and physio who are travelling with me to most ATP tournaments and that I am responsible for all their expenses and therefore the remuneration they offer me must cover these expenses, plus something for myself.
SH: Is it true you were paid to play for SA in the Davis Cup last year. And now the cash-strapped SA Tennis Association can’t afford that fee, you are no longer interested in playing Davis Cup?
KA: As I mentioned, the prime reason for me not playing Davis Cup was my green card application and the uncertainty of when US immigration would issue the permission letter to travel outside of the US. Bigger picture, every expense I incur is on me, including a full-time coach and physiotherapist. As much as I want to play Davis Cup I need to do what is best for my career. Last year we were able to come to an agreement that worked. I don’t think it is unreasonable to expect that if I am to play for South Africa, they should help support me doing so.
SH: Has SA Tennis, in your opinion, done enough to assist players who play Davis Cup?
KA: It is no secret that TSA has had its fair share of financial battles over the past decade. But from the players’ side, we do not see the same level of support as other sports in South Africa as well as other players who play DC in other countries. And unlike other sports in South Africa, we are not under contract, we are on our own. Yet there is this expectation that we need to risk all this to play DC, and put our own careers at risk without adequate remuneration. Simply put, TSA does not provide the necessary support. There is no helping hand that assists you to improve your ranking, which determines the tournaments you can play and whether you are seeded in a tournament. Whatever the reasons, TSA must know there will be Davis Cup ties where players will be unavailable. It has nothing to do with not wanting to play for your country.