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SA beat Vietnam to earn promotion in Davis Cup

tennis03 February 2024 17:01
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L-R: Philip Henning, Kris van Wyk, Christiaan Worst, Christo van Rensburg (captain), Leo Matthysen and James Hart (hitting partner) Β© Tennis South Africa

Launching a successful attack on the second and final day of the tie, South Africa clinched a 3-2 win over Vietnam to earn promotion in their Davis Cup World Group II playoff in Tu Son on Saturday.

The teams were level at 1-1 heading into the second and final day of the tie, which was played on hardcourt at Hanaka Paris Ocean Park.

Vietnam were edged out, however, after the visitors dug deep to sweep their opponents aside.

"We got to three (points) before they got there, but what a tough competition," said SA team captain Christo van Rensburg.

"Since I've been the Davis Cup captain, this tie was the hardest and the boys played amazingly. I couldn't be more proud of them."

In a crunch doubles match, Philip Henning and Christiaan Worst hit back after dropping the first set, as they earned a crucial point for the SA side.

They secured a 4-6 6-1 6-4 victory over Nam Hoang Ly and Phuong van Nguyen.

In the singles matches later in the day, Nam beat Kris van Wyk as Vietnam kept their promotion hopes alive. He was made to work hard for it, after Van Wyk took the second set, but Nam ultimately won 6-4 3-6 6-3.

Henning then returned to the court, racing to a 6-2 6-2 victory against Linh Giang Trinh.

By winning the contest, the SA team earned promotion to Davis Cup World Group II, while Vietnam remained in Group III in the international men's team competition.

"We can't wait to see who our opponents are in World Group II, where we belong, and we look forward to playing our next tie in September," Van Rensburg said.

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