Read more
O.J. Simpson, all-American hero in sensational murder trial, dies at 76
Success for De Jager in US team event
South African Davis Cup captain John-Laffnie de Jager has again guided the Springfield Lasers to success in the World TeamTennis (correct) league in the US.
FILE PICTURE: Izak van der Merwe from South Africa congratulated by team captain John-Laffnie de Jager after beating Blaz Kavcic (Slovenia) during the Davis Cup reverse singles at Arthur Ashe Stadium on April 08, 2012 in Soweto, South Africa. Photo by Reg Caldecott / Gallo Images
After the Lasers had beaten the powerful Diego Aviators, which included the top world doubles combination of Bob and Mike Bryan and former world top tenner Daniela Hantuchova, for the Western Conference title, they were shaded in the eventual overall final by two-times champions, the Washington Kastles.
De Jager said his ongoing tenure with the Lasers in no way affected his role as Davis Cup captain.
“TeamTennis only takes place during a couple of months in the year, while there is no Davis Cup action in progress,” he said.
“In fact, my position with the Lasers has presented me with the opportunity of calling on South African players and giving them valuable match time in the World TeamTennis format — as well as keeping tabs on their ongoing form.”
De Jager, who was in his eighth year as a TeamTennis mentor, also coached various international players on the ATP circuit, among them the Lasers combination of Jean-Julien Rojer of the Netherlands and Romania’s Horia Tecau, who earlier this week won the Citi Open doubles in Washington.
Meanwhile, De Jager said he was gratified that Tennis SA had introduced an ongoing policy of staging as many Futures tournaments in South Africa as possible.
“This will give our up-and-coming players the opportunity of gaining valuable ATP ranking points, even if only at a modest level, as well as continuous and ongoing match competition.”
– Sapa
