Tennis: Sitak determined to get back into Davis Cup team

Artem Sitak in action against Tsung-Hua Yang of Chinese Taipei. Photo / Getty Images

Artem Sitak is determined to be part of New Zealand's next Davis Cup tennis assignment.

The doubles specialist was overlooked for last weekend's tie against Pakistan with Marcus Daniell preferred due to a slightly higher ranking.

New Zealand's retained its place in Asia/Oceania Group 1 for 2017 and Sitak is hopeful he can make the team for February's tie against and as yet unknown opponent.

He says five out of six of the teams they are playing away which always makes it more difficult but hopefully he can make the team in February.

Sitak meanwhile has won through to the second round of the ATP doubles tournament in Metz, France overnight.

Sitak and American Nicolas Monroe have beaten the experienced pair of Julian Knowle (Austria) and Italian Andreas Seppi 6-2 5-7 10-6 to move in to the quarter-finals of the tournament.

Also in the doubles draw at the same event are Mike Venus and regular partner, Mate Pavic (Croatia) while Marcus Daniell is teamed up with Marcelo Demoliner from Brazil.

Meanwhile fresh from making the semifinals at the Cary Challenger in North Carolina last week Ben McLachlan is in the main draw of the US$50,000 Columbus Challenger in Ohio combining with Australian Steve de Ward.

On the WTA tour Marina Erakovic was beaten in the first round of singles in the Seoul $250,000 tournament in South Korea. Erakovic lost to Romania's Patricia Maria Tig 6-2 5-7 4-6.