By Zim Sport Live Writer
Zimbabwe’s number one player Benjamin Lock has been forced to withdraw from the team to face Morocco in the Davis Cup World Group II Playoff at Harare Sports Club on Friday due to an elbow injury.
The 31-year-old star, who has been training with the team in the past week, announced the setback on his social media platforms.
“Gutted to announce that I won’t be playing in the Davis Cup tie versus Morocco this weekend. I recently suffered an elbow injury during training and unfortunately this injury needs time to heal,” Lock said in a statement.
“In the past fortnight I did everything I could to be ready to play. I did every treatment possible and although the treatment has gone well, my injury has not healed in time. Playing for Zimbabwe has always been the biggest honor and it hurts me deeply to be on the sidelines.
“Nevertheless, I will be there supporting the rest of the team and cheering them on and hope to see all our supporters and fans out there tomorrow. Zimbabwe Hoye!!,” he wrote.
In Benjamin’s absence, his younger brother Courtney Lock will now head into the crucial tie against the Moroccans as Zimbabwe’s number one player.
The team that also includes Ethan Sibanda and Ronan Mtisi.
Sibanda, 25, is now the number two player.
However it is the absence of Benjamin Lock which should be a major blow for Zimbabwe.
Lock has been a flag-bearer for Zimbabwean men’s tennis for several years now.
After turning professional in 2016, Lock has become a fixture on the Challenger and ITF circuits.
Lock holds a win-loss record of 35-12 in Davis Cup singles ties in addition to being part of formidable record breaking doubles partnership with his brother Courtney Lock.
However, the team will be counting on home advantage to upstage the Moroccans.