Tennis NZ rejects Parun critique

NZ Davis Cup captain James Greenhalgh. Photo / Getty Images

Stinging criticism from former tennis great Onny Parun following New Zealand's Davis Cup loss at the weekend has been shrugged off by the sport's national governing body.

New Zealand suffered a 4-1 defeat to the Philippines when the teams met in the Asia-Oceania group two final in Manila for a place in the region's top group, sparking concerns over the sport's future in New Zealand.

Parun told media the loss capped the country's worst period of tennis, saying the team was losing to countries of third world status. He compared the defeat to the New Zealand cricket team losing to Norfolk Island.

He criticised Tennis New Zealand chief executive Steven Walker and its director of coaching Paul McCraw, saying the pair were leading the sport down the road of oblivion. Junior players were not getting the support they needed.

Davis Cup captain James Greenhalgh said losing the tie was a disappointment, particularly following last year's loss against China in the group two final.

"I think it's time for the team to rebuild and to learn from our experiences over the last few years. Going up to Manila and playing in those conditions will be good for the development of all those young players in the team and strengthen them for future years," Greenhalgh said.

"Until we get more strength developed in those players it's going to be difficult to compete against the countries with the higher ranked players."

Greenhalgh said funding support was a definite constraint when it came to developing players.

"The game is evolving and becomes stronger every year. There are more and more players on the ranking system and playing. For me, it's about talent IDing our young players and being able to support them," he said.

"Fully supporting a player is very, very expensive and, speaking about the Davis Cup players, they have to either private sponsors or family support."

Walker told Radio Sport the Davis Cup loss did not reflect the overall state of tennis in New Zealand.

"I wouldn't say it's the end of the world, we're disappointed, but we're keeping it real," Walker said.

"We believe that we can still produce top juniors, but the huge challenge is the transition from juniors into seniors," he said.

Walker also acknowledged that funding was a major hurdle and said there were several projects under way to help generate revenue for the sport.

"But we think there are a number of ingredients into producing tennis champions and I believe if the player with the right ingredients come along we will be able to give them enough support to get them started."

- NZPA