Pretoria, South Africa – 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 outside Pretoria on Sunday. In Sundays dead rubbers was the battle of the number one’s which saw South African Tucker Vorster defeat Ireland’s James McGee 6-1 7-5, followed by South African Ruan Roelofse defeating Irelands number two Sam Barry 6-4 6-3.
Doubles specialist Ruan Roelofse, who had partnered Dean O’Brien for a straight set win on Saturday to clinch the tie for the hosts, replaced Fritz Wolmarans. Wolmarans who opened up proceedings with an upset win over Ireland top player James McGee on Friday, withdrew from the reverse singles for preventable measures. “I was feeling a possibly injury come on and after my titanic win on Friday over McGee I really didn’t want to take any chances” admitted Wolmarans.
Hometown favourite, Tucker Vorster carried on his superb form from Friday into the match against McGee and upset the world number 150 in 1hr 11mins. “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.
Despite Roelofse recently retiring from singles was still the second highest ranked player in the South African outfit (421), 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”, laughed Roelofse. “It has been an awesome experience being a part of this team and look forward to many more ties”. Roloefse spent one minute longer on court that his teammate in a match lasting 1hr 12mins.
The win for South Africa avoided relegation and keeps the country in the Davis Cup Euro/Africa Zone 2 for 2016. It was an awesome 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”, says Grainger. Grainger did not for one second think that they would whitewash an Irish side that is ranked much higher than South Africa but showed great pleasure that they did.
“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”, says Grainger.
FINAL RESULTS
Friday 17 July
Fritz Wolmarans (RSA) bt James McGee (Irl) 7-6 (0) 1-6 6-3 6-4
Tucker Vorster (RSA) bt Sam Barry (Irl) 6-1 6-7 (4) 7-6 (5) 6-4
Saturday 18 July
Dean O’Brien/Ruan Roelofse (RSA) bt James Cluskey/David O’Hare (Irl) 7-6 (4) 6-4 6-3
Sunday 19 July
Tucker Vorster (RSA) bt James McGee (Irl) 6-1 7-5
Ruan Roelofse (RSA) bt Sam Barry (Irl) 6-4 6-3
