- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
It’s not life or death, but tennis legend Pat Rafter knows the sport in Australia will be dealt a blow if they are kicked out of the Davis Cup World Group.
Australia’s quest to stay in the 16-nation World Group goes on the line this weekend when they take on Uzbekistan in Perth.
Former world No.1 Lleyton Hewitt will spearhead the team, with rising star Nick Kyrgios also shouldering a large responsibility.
Big-serving Victorian Sam Groth and doubles specialist Chris Guccione are also part of the team.
Australia gained valuable experience during their 5-0 World Group loss to France earlier this year, and Rafter wants his side to experience more encounters against top-level nations.
To achieve this, Australia simply can’t afford to lose to Uzbekistan in a contest that will relegate the loser back to the Asia/Oceania Group Zone.
“It’s not life and death, but it would be nice if we had a win,” said Australia’s Davis Cup captain.
“The Davis Cup is not just about representing your country, but also development for these guys over the next few years.
“Because you’re in a team environment, you’re not in that selfish environment like you are all the time when you’re on the road.
“It’s a good time for everyone to get together and get to know each other. You find out a lot about each other when you are put in this situation.”
Although the scheduling for Davis Cup matches is always a squeeze, Rafter said it was an experience unlike any other.
“Once they make it a priority, we try to make it fun,” Rafter said.
“You see the competitiveness of it and the enjoyment you get when you win, and it’s also very heartbreaking when you lose.
“You’re not playing for yourself, you’re playing for your teammates and your country. It’s a different feeling, and I think these guys are starting to understand and respect that.
“And they get to work with one of the greatest coaches who has been around for the last 30 or 40 years in Tony Roche.
“You don’t get that opportunity very often.”
Whether it’s aces or races, try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp for great odds and a great punting experience. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.