FOR the past three days, the South African Fed Cup squad has been hard at work on the courts of the Bedfordview Country Club east of Johannesburg. Under the watchful eye of newly appointed coach, Earl Grainger, the nine-strong squad impressed at their open media session during their on-court training and drilling programme.
This was the first ever Fed Cup squad training camp hosted by Tennis South Africa (TSA). The initiative was conceptualised by Earl Grainger, who hosted an intense camp assisted by his advisors; former WTA professional Natalie Grandin and professional coach Alan Karam.
Newly appointed President of TSA, Gavin Crookes reported that Grainger said, “Earl showed passion about taking the women’s game to new levels in the country during his Fed Cup interview, and his vision really caught our eye. I have been very impressed with what has been going on here at Bedfordview and firmly believe Earl has got us on the right track.”
Grainger said that he was grateful to TSA for the opportunity. “I am honoured to be working with the best players in the country and driving women’s tennis in South Africa.” Grainger said that women’s tennis had taken a “back seat” over the past few years, and he saw it as his job to “take these great players and talent and bring it to the forefront.”
Similar camps at least five to eight times a year are planned. Grainger believes that when the players stay and train together they can learn from each other and learn from their experiences.
The team departed on April 12 for their Fed Cup Euro/Africa Group 2 tournament from April 16 to 19 in Lithuania.
The South African team is: Chanel Simmonds, Madrie le Roux, Natasha Fourouclas and Natalie Grandin.
The Fed Cup squad is Chani Scheepers, Chanel Simmonds, Natasha Fourouclas, Madrie Le Roux, Natalie Grandin, Ilze Hattingh, Michelle Sammons, Lynn Kiro, Katie Poluta, Zani Barnard, Lee Barnard, Theresa Van Zyl, and Janet Koch.
