Tennis | SA Team Announced for Davis Cup tie against Lebanon
A three-member South African team has been selected by captain Christo van Rensburg for their Davis Cup World Group II tie against Lebanon next month.
A three-member South African team has been selected by captain Christo van Rensburg for their Davis Cup World Group II tie against Lebanon next month.
The tie, which will give the SA squad an opportunity to take a step closer to World Group I in the international team competition, will be held at a neutral venue in Cairo, Egypt on 14 and 15 September due to safety and security concerns in Lebanon.
The national side, playing their first tie since they earned promotion from Davis Cup World Group II playoff with their 3-2 victory over Vietnam in Tu Son earlier this year, will be represented in Cairo by Philip Henning, Alec Beckley and Leo Matthysen.
Henning, the squad's most experienced player with nine Davis Cup ties under his belt, will spearhead the team. The 23-year-old player has won four ITF singles titles this year and he remains unbeaten in Davis Cup doubles matches, and the team's success could rely largely on his contribution.
Beckley, also 23 years old, has been equally impressive on the ITF circuit this year, winning one singles title and two doubles titles. He will play his second Davis Cup tie after making his debut last year.
Matthysen is the youngest member of the team at 18 years old. Despite his age, Matthysen has already made a significant impact in the Davis Cup, having played in two ties since his debut in 2023. The rising star has an ITF junior combined ranking of 602.
"On paper, the Lebanese team is ranked higher than the South African team, but we do have hope and we will always believe we can perform to the best of our abilities and make the South African fans proud," said Van Rensburg.
The winning team in the clash between South Africa and Lebanon will compete in the World Group I playoffs next year, while the losing side will be relegated to World Group II playoffs.
The tie will be held at Palm Hills Sports Club in Cairo, with matches set to be played on outdoor clay courts.
SA Team (ATP singles/doubles ranking)
- Philip Henning (355/635)
- Alec Beckley (700/519)
- Leo Matthysen (NA/NA)
- Team Captain – Christo van Rensburg
- Team Physiotherapist – Khulekani Ngcobo
