If experience counts for something then New Zealand should breeze through its first round Asia/Oceania Group II Davis Cup tie against Malaysia at the Albany Tennis Park in North Harbour starting tomorrow.
New Zealand No1 Rubin, 22 who has an ATP world ranking of 425 faces the Malaysian No2 Razlan Rawi in the first match of the tie, which starts indoors at 2pm.
The second match will feature New Zealand’s No2, Dan King-Turner(453) against Malaysian No1 Yew Ming Si who at 30 years old has been playing Davis Cup since 2002 and is the only member of his side who has had an ATP ranking.
In the doubles King-Turner is listed to play with GD Jones on Saturday with the reverse singles on Sunday. The other member of the New Zealand team is Aucklander Adam Thompson.
Despite their lack of experience compared to the Kiwis, hometown captain James Greenhalgh says he’s seen the visitors practice and believes they won’t be a pushover.
“I’m confident Rubin and Dan will play well this weekend. They are in good shape and have had excellent preparation. It’s most important we don’t underestimate the unknown, especially in Davis Cup. We are approaching it the same way as any other Davis Cup matches we’ve played. We have the home tie and it’s a venue we’re used to. The players are comfortable and the advantage is four our guys,” say Greenhalgh.
It is the first time the two nations have played each other. Malaysia was promoted from Group III last year while New Zealand lost 2-3 to China in the Group II final in 2008
The winner of the tie will play either Indonesia or Kuwait in July with the hope the New Zealand side can work its way back up Asia/Oceania Group I alongside nations such as Australia, India, Japan and Thailand.
The Davis Cup is followed by the ASB Pro Circuit men’s US$15,000 Futures and women’s US$10,000 tournament starting Tuesday 9 March also at the Albany Tennis Park
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