Tennis: Tauranga wins right to host Davis Cup

APNZ

7 Dec, 2011 10:27 PM2 mins to read

New Zealand and Uzbekistan will clash in Tauranga. Photo / Getty Images

Tauranga is to host February's Davis Cup tie between New Zealand and Uzbekistan.

The first-round Asia/Oceania Group 1 tie will take place from Friday, February 10 to Sunday, February 12 next year at the TECT Arena at Baypark.

"Baypark and Bay of Plenty sports fans will be really excited that TECT Arena is to host its first world championship event," said Baypark chief executive Ervin McSweeney. "The Davis Cup is a prestigious international tournament and to host it in Tauranga is a privilege that I am sure the community will respond to very positively. We are extremely grateful for the financial backing of TECT to assist with hosting the event."

Although some may wonder why an indoor venue has been chosen in the middle of summer, New Zealand Davis Cup captain Marcel Vos is pleased with the decision.

"It is very important in Davis Cup to fully utilise our home court advantage.

"Our team have played on the specifically designed indoor portable hardcourt for the last three ties with great success.

"We are confident the new Tauranga venue will create a great patriotic Davis Cup atmosphere," Vos, who lives in nearby Papamoa, said.

Tennis Waikato-Bays is delighted to have the opportunity to host the Davis Cup back in the Waikato Bays Region. Hamilton in 2009 was the last time Davis Cup was held in the Waikato Bays region, hosting the successful tie against Indonesia.

"Tennis supporters should take time to visit Western Bay of Plenty region, enjoy watching international tennis at its best and soak up the hospitable nature of the Mount," Leslie Wilkinson, chief executive of Tennis Waikato-Bays said. The TECT Arena opened in August this year and is already a popular arena for events, the climatically-controlled TECT Arena holds 3700 people and tickets will go on sale before Christmas.

The Uzbekistan team, is likely to be led by world No73 Denis Istomin, who may even appear in Auckland at the Heineken Open qualifying to familiarise himself with New Zealand's conditions.