DAVIS Cup ties are as much about ambiance as they are about competition, and both the players and the fans will be treated to top-class tennis in a superb environment when South Africa takes on Ireland in the Euro/Africa Zone Group 2 Play-Off Davis Cup tie, from July 17 to 19.
Irene Country Club, which has hosted two Davis Cup Ties last year; South Africa vs Lithuania and South Africa vs Monaco, has been confirmed once again as the venue for the all-important July tie.
South Africa beat Monaco 3-2 last year January in the first tie ever played in Irene, just outside the national capital. But then, three months later, at the same venue, South Africa lost narrowly to Lithuania 2-3. South Africa and Ireland have played each other twice before (1927 and 1931), with the honours going South Africa’s way on both occasions. However, both previous ties have been staged in Dublin and on grass, and this will be the first time the two nations will meet on South African shores. The home side will have to beat the Irish visitors to remain in Euro/Africa Group 2. South Africa and Ireland are expected to name their sides for the tie only ten days before the tie in accordance to the Davis Cup rules. All the matches are played as the best of five sets until a result has been achieved.
Tickets will be available from June 24 and a further announcement on ticket prices and ticket sales points will be made middle of June.
The tie will be played on a medium to fast paced hard court.
Program for the tie: Friday: 09:15 Opening Ceremony. The first singles rubber will start at 09:30 with the second rubber following immediately thereafter. Saturday: 12:00 will see the doubles rubber, and Sunday: 09:30 first reverse singles rubber, followed by final singles rubber.
