Tennis South Africa (TSA) has announced its lineup for the highly-anticipated 2023 BNP Paribas World Team Cup, set to take place in Vilamoura, Portugal from 1-7 May 2023.
Players from 22 countries will compete in the International Tennis Federation's (ITF) flagship wheelchair tennis team event, which is equivalent to the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup. The competition involves teams representing their respective countries as they vie for the title of world team champions across four divisions - men's, women's, quads, and juniors.
South Africa will be represented by two teams, namely the Quads and Men's teams. The Quads team will be comprised of top-ranked player, Donald Ramphadi, who currently holds the fifth position globally, former world No 2 and two-time Grand Slam champion Lucas Sithole, and Danny Mohlamonyane.
The Quads team made history in 2022 by winning a silver medal at the BNP Paribas World Team Cup event held in Vilamoura. They became the first African team to reach the World Team Cup final, which earned them the Team of the Year award at the event. This year, the team is enthusiastic about securing the gold medal and adding another remarkable achievement to their already impressive resume.
The Men's team will include 22-year-old wheelchair tennis sensation Alwande Sikhosana, currently ranked No 1 in Africa and No 47 globally, 142 world-ranked Leon Els, and rising star Mpho Mhlongo.
Patrick Selepe, the team coach, expressed his pride in leading this group of exceptional athletes. He stated, " This year, we have once again chosen the strongest team possible, and we firmly believe that they will make our country proud. “
“The team is a combination of young and experienced players on their performance pathway, which we find very exciting. We are confident that they will contribute to South Africa's already impressive track record in the World Team Cup.”
On Friday, 28 April 2023, the team will gather at TuksTennis Club, located at the University of Pretoria, to participate in a training camp in preparation for the event.
SA Quad’s Team:
Donald Ramphadi (5 world ranking)
Lucas Sithole (N/A)
Danny Mohlamonyane (N/A)
Coach: Patrick Selepe
SA Men’s Team:
Alwande Sikhosana (47 world ranking)
Leon Els (142)
Mpho Mhlongo (N/A)