Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’s tennis Davis Cup team were dealt a huge blow after top-ranked player Benjamin Lock was ruled out of the Davis Cup World Group II play-offs against Morocco beginning today at Harare Sports Club.
Lock, popularly known as “Twiza,” will see his slot taken by Ethan Denzel Sibanda, who will meet Morocco’s first seed, Taha Baadi, in the second match of the day.
In the absence of Benjamin Lock, his younger brother Courtney is now the country’s top seed and will open the two-day tournament against Elliot Benchetrit.
The Zimbabwe Davis Cup team is made up of the Lock brothers, Sibanda, non-playing captain Gwinyai Tongoona, and development representative Ronan Tashinga Mtisi.
Speaking ahead of today’s opening singles match, Tongoona said they were ready for the challenge.
He said they have met the North Africans before, so they are expecting a tough challenge.
“We have played against Morocco in the Davis Cup before and we stand at two-two and this tournament gives us an opportunity to move to a better standing.
“We have good players, and the absence of Benjy will have an impact, but everyone has been preparing for the games.
“We are looking forward to a competitive event, and the boys are ready for the challenge,” said Tongoona.
Courtney Lock, who will play Morocco’s second seed before tomorrow’s doubles, said he is looking forward to the tournament and is hopeful that they will qualify for Group Two.
“I am very happy to be back home and to be playing in front of the home supporters after a long time. I have prepared well for this tournament, and I believe we have a strong team that will do well.
“We are looking forward to the support from the local fans, and I urge them to turn out in their numbers. I feel for Benjy, as I know how much he would have loved to play.
“But it’s part of the game, and I wish him a speedy recovery. I have faith in my partner Sibanda and I hope we do well in the doubles.”
Morocco’s non-playing captain, Hacham Arazi, said they were happy to be back in Zimbabwe and are looking forward to the matches.
“We hope to regain a spot in Group Two.
“We are prepared for the tournament, and we have the experience to play on big stages.
“We have met Zimbabwe before, and we know they are a good team. But we are more than prepared to face them.
“The players have been training hard ahead of these qualifiers,” said Arazi.
Teams:
Zimbabwe: Benjamin Lock, Courtney Lock, Ethan Sibanda, Ronan Mtisi, Gwinyai Tongoona
Morocco: Elliot Bencetrit, Taha Baadi, Karim Bennani, Younes Laaroussi, Rabie Chaki, Hichan Arazi.
