Lock, Sibanda brothers named in Davis Cup team

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Zimbabwe's Davis Cup team, from left, Mehluli Sibanda, Courtney Lock, Gwingai Tongoona, Benjamin Lock and Takanyi Garanganga

Brothers Benjamin and Courtney Lock will form the backbone of the Zimbabwe Davis Cup team which is set to take on El Salvador in the World Group II play-offs next month.

The experienced duo were named in the four member team announced by the local tennis governing body Tennis Zimbabwe on Tuesday.

They will be joined another set of brothers Mehluli Sibanda and Ethan Sibanda, who have also been making strides on the ITF World Tennis Tour.

Zimbabwe’s Davis Cup team will be led by non-playing captain Gwinyai Tongoona.

The country’s former number one player Takanyi Garanganga, who last featured in the Davis Cup in 2019 is the most notable absentee in the team.

Zimbabwe host El Salvador on March 4 and 5 at Harare Sports Club.

El Salvador are ranked 67 in the Davis Cup while Zimbabwe are only four places higher at 63 in the world.

Zimbabwe have played in the Davis Cup since 1963 and played in 108 ties (55-53 win-loss) and their opponents in the next round are fairly new in the competition having made their debut in 1991 playing 98 ties.

The 12 winning nations from the 2022 World Group II play-offs will progress to 2022 World Group II ties. The 12 losing nations will compete in regional Group III events later in 2022.

Zimbabwe will be hoping to bounce back to winning ways against their Central American opponents after losing 4-0 to Tunisia in the Davis Cup World Group II tie in November last year to end any hope they had of playing with the sport’s elite countries next year.

 

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