South Africa to face Vietnam in Davis Cup playoffs

Targeting a return to the Davis Cup World Group II division, South Africa are confident of their chances of gaining promotion, despite having to travel in their upcoming playoff clash against Vietnam.

Seeded eighth, South Africa were drawn against Vietnam on Wednesday in the World Group II playoffs, which includes 24 teams from around the world in the global men's team tennis competition.

Should they secure victory in their away tie in the first week of February 2024, South Africa will progress to the Davis Cup World Group II competition next season.

Vietnam has only one player, world No 376 Nam Hoang Ly, ranked among the top 1000 in the world, while South Africa has five singles players ranked in the top 1000 and four players among the top 1000 in the doubles format.

Though it remains unclear which of the country's top-ranked players will be available, national captain Christo van Rensburg believes South Africa's depth will be enough to give them a fighting chance against their hosts.

"It is obviously very exciting that South Africa will go into this tie feeling very confident," Van Rensburg said after the draw, which was held at the International Tennis Federation (ITF) headquarters in London.

"If our players can perform up to their potential, this is a match we would love to win. Obviously on a tennis court anything can happen, but for me know it's about finding the best team to go all the way to Vietnam and take them on."

South Africa swept to a 3-0 victory over Zimbabwe in the final of the Davis Cup Africa Group III tournament held in Pretoria last month, progressing to the World Group II playoffs.

All 12 winning teams in the playoff round will book their places in Davis Cup World Group II next year, and the 12 losing sides will compete in Group III in 2024.