Izak Van Der Merwe guides South Africa to victory against Slovenia – Davis Cup, Group 1 2012
Izak Van Der Merwe became the hero of his country, as he led from the front in South Africa’s win over Slovenia in the second round of the Davis Cup, Group 1.
The South African defeated Blaz Kavcic of Slovenia in straight sets 7-6(3), 6-4, 6-4 in the fourth rubber to give his country an unassailable 3-1 lead.
Kavcic and Van Der Merwe exchanged a break in the first set to take the score to 6-6, forcing a tie-breaker. The South African dropped just three points and claimed 7-6(3).
The Stellenbosch, South Africa resident needed a single game in second and third sets to claim both of them with the same score line of 6-4.
Van Der Merwe shared that he was as happy as one can be after winning a tennis match. The South African said its one of the best experiences of his tennis career.
Ranked 124th in the world, Van Der Merwe was playing as South Africa’s number one player in the absence of world number 33, Kevin Anderson and 118th ranked, Rik De Voest. Both of them hit a blow to the South
African team, as they decided to stay away from the tie because of their private commitments.
Van Der Merwe rose to the occasion, winning all three of his matches during the competition, including a doubles contest partnering Raven Klaasen.
Talking to the reporters after the match, an excited Van Der Merwe said, "I was telling Raven I didn't wanna let anybody play the fifth rubber, I wanted to get the win for us. And whoever would go out there would have less pressure
and just go swinging away and play a good match. I was really happy I could get through that match and finish the tie."
The South African had to support a strapping on his back on the final day of the tie, as he faced some tightness after playing a couple of tough matches on two consecutive days.
Van Der Merwe added, "After Friday I felt quite tired, and we had a long week of training. So by Friday morning I felt I was ready to play but also I was also very tired. I got some tightness in my back but that's just usual and
I can get through that, and I got some treatment but it was just a precaution.”
Ruan Roelofse defeated Nik Razborsek in three sets 4-6 6-3 7-6(2) in the fifth rubber to make the final score of the tie 4-1.
With this win, South Africa has qualified for the World Group play offs for the fourth straight year.
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