Canada gain home advantage over South Africa

The ITF today announced that the Davis Cup Committee has approved a request by the South African Tennis Association to stage their Davis Cup by BNP Paribas World Group play-off tie against Canada in Canada.

South Africa and Canada have met just once before in Davis Cup, but that was way back in 1913 on neutral ground at Queen’s Club in London, so when the two teams were drawn against each other this time the home advantage was decided by lot.

South Africa were initially awarded choice of ground, but asked to play in Canada for financial reasons. Tennis Canada has agreed to host the tie on 14-16 September, with the venue to be announced in due course.

“We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to play in front of a home crowd for this important match-up,” said Canadian captain Martin Laurendeau. “Fan support is a major advantage in Davis Cup ties and we know that with the recent rise of popularity of tennis in our country, we’ll have great support.”