Zimbabwe has been relegated to Africa Group III in the Davis Cup after a 3-1 loss to Hong Kong in a World Group II Play-off tie. The team, led by non-playing captain Takanyi Garanganga, comprised the Lock brothers Benjamin and Courtney, Benedict Badza, and Tatenda Mutetwa. This marks the third consecutive year that Zimbabwe finds itself back in Africa Group III, and they will now have to fight for a spot to return to the World Group II Play-offs.
President of Tennis Zimbabwe, Walter Jera, acknowledged that more needs to be done to improve the country’s performance in the Davis Cup. He expressed his belief that investment in the younger players is crucial, highlighting the success of Benedict Badza, who won his match despite being a last-minute addition to the team.
The tie against Hong Kong proved challenging for Zimbabwe, as they lost the first two singles matches on Saturday. Benjamin Lock suffered a close defeat against Hong Kit Wong, losing 6-3, 3-6, 6-7(5), while Courtney Lock was defeated in straight sets by Coleman Wong with a score of 6-2, 6-0. With Hong Kong leading 2-0, Zimbabwe needed a win in the doubles match to stay in the competition. However, Benjamin and Courtney Lock were unable to secure a victory, losing 6-4, 6-0 to Coleman Wong and Chun Hun Wong. In a consolation victory, Benedict Badza won the dead rubber match against Kwok Shun Dasson Chan with a score of 7-6(5), 6-4, 10-6.
The defeat comes as a disappointment to the Zimbabwean team, as they had hoped for a change in their fortunes. To address the situation, Jera emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy to support sports in the country. He called for increased investment from the government and a focus on developing young talent.
Zimbabwe earned their promotion to the World Group II Play-offs last year after participating in the Africa Group III event in South Africa. However, they were relegated earlier this year after losing to Uruguay in the World Group II Play-offs. The team then secured a place in the World Group II Play-offs again by defeating Namibia in a promotional play-off at the Africa Group III event held in Algeria.
Although Zimbabwe’s journey in the Davis Cup has ended for this year, twelve winning nations from the weekend’s ties will progress to the World Group II tie in September. Hong Kong will be among these nations.
In conclusion, the loss to Hong Kong has resulted in Zimbabwe’s relegation to Africa Group III in the Davis Cup. The Tennis Zimbabwe president acknowledges the need for investment and development of young players to improve the country’s performance in the future. Despite the disappointment, the team remains determined to make a comeback in the following years.
