Proteas avoid relegation by defeating Ireland

ON Sunday, July 19, South Africa thumped Ireland 5-0 in the Davis Cup by BNP PARIBAS Euro Africa Group 2 tie which ended at the Irene Country Club, just outside Pretoria.

Sunday’s dead rubbers proved to be the battle of the number one’s which saw South African Tucker Vorster defeat Ireland’s James McGee 6-1 7-5 and South Africa’s Ruan Roelofse defeating Ireland’s number two Sam Barry 6-4 6-3.

Hometown favourite, Tucker Vorster continued his superb form this season in a 1:11 rubber to upset McGee, who is ranked 150 in the world. “It was a much more relaxed day for me knowing that we had won the tie already but I knew that I had lots of friends and family watching so I had to give it my all”, said Vorster.

Doubles specialist Ruan Roelofse, who replaced Fritz Wolmarans, partnered with Dean O’Brien for a straight set win on Saturday to clinch the tie for the hosts. Wolmarans who opened up proceedings with an upset win over top Irish player McGee, on Friday, withdrew from the reverse singles as a precaution. “I was feeling a possible injury come on and after my titanic win on Friday over McGee I really didn’t want to take any chances,” said Wolmarans.

Despite Roelofse recently retiring from singles, he is still the second highest ranked player in the South African outfit (421) and enjoyed being part of the match. “Even though we were leading 4-0, I really did not want to be the only player that lost,” said Roelofse. “It has been an awesome experience being a part of this team and I look forward to many more ties.” Roelofse spent one minute longer on court that his teammate in a match lasting 1:12.

It was a clinical display of tennis by a youthful South African team that was entrusted by captain Earl Grainger. “I have said and I will say again, that this is the future of South African tennis, I was critised for the team I chose but I knew that they were special and could deliver,” said Grainger.

Grainger did not for one second think that they would whitewash an Irish side that is ranked much higher than South Africa.“Winning this tie definitely took team effort and not just from the players but from everybody who had a hand in getting us here, I am truly proud to have been a part of such a great team,” he said.

With this win South Africa avoided relegation and will remain in the Davis Cup Euro/Africa Zone 2 for 2016.