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 take on Monaco in a Euro/Africa Zone Group 2 Davis Cup tie from January 31 to February 2.
The tie will be staged at the Irene Country Club on a new Davis Cup championship tennis court in the tennis section of the club. “This is a fantastic event at a fantastic venue,” said Wire Zondi, President of Tennis South Africa (TSA).
“The Davis Cup is one of the most prestigious events on the tennis calendar and is vital for the growth of the sport in South Africa. To be able to hold this event in a superb facility of this nature only adds to its stature.”
South Africa and Monaco have played each other twice before (1967 and 2008) with the honours going South Africa’s way on both occasions. However, both previous ties have been staged in Monte Carlo and this will be the first time they will meet on South African shore.
Whatever happens on court, the Monacans are sure to relish the hospitality they will receive at Irene Country Club. Situated in the south of Tshwane just outside Pretoria, the club is perfectly located in Gauteng for spectators from Johannesburg and Pretoria, as well as those travelling in from Ekurhuleni and Mogale City.
The Irene Country Club is unique and privileged to have one of the most beautiful and tranquil settings in Pretoria. The club has six courts (three under lights) and outstanding facilities which include a golf course, restaurants and conference facilities, which make up the perfect ingredients for a top class Davis Cup venue.
Irene Country Club Tennis Chairman, Craig Herbst, said, “We are delighted to be working with Tennis South Africa in hosting the South Africa vs. Monaco Davis Cup Tie at Irene Country Club in January.
“The club prides itself on outstanding sporting and entertainment facilities and for the Davis Cup tie our guests and tennis fans will be blown away by our venue and hospitality. We will make sure the tie is one to remember and becomes a must-visit stop on the SA tennis calendar.
“We invite the public to participate in next year’s Davis Cup and encourage visitors to support our tennis champions.”
South Africa and Monaco are expected to name their sides for the tie early in the New Year. According to Davis Cup rules, both teams have the right to name their squads up until 10 days before the commencement of the tie.
The tie will be played on a hard court with seats for 700 spectators.
Programme for the tie:
Friday: 09:45 Opening Ceremony. The first singles match will start at 10:00 with the second rubber following immediately thereafter.
Saturday: 12:00 Doubles Match
Sunday: 10:00am: First reverse singles match, followed by final singles match.
All the matches are played as the best of five sets until a result has been achieved.
Admission will be free, on first come first served basis, for unreserved seats
