NZ team braces for Davis Cup tie in sweltering Kingston

As the New Zealand Davis Cup team prepares for this weekend’s World Group II tie against Jamaica, the extreme heat, fast courts, and a raucous home crowd present a formidable challenge. 

Captain Artem Sitak, however, believes his squad is well-prepared after arriving early to acclimate to the gruelling conditions.

The Kiwi contingent landed in Kingston well ahead of the tie, giving themselves ample time to adjust to the suffocating humidity and soaring temperatures.

“We got here very early, which was a great call from us, to get used to this extreme heat and humidity,” Sitak said. 

“It feels like 40 degrees, to be honest, but I think it’s only 32 or 33. The humidity is very high.”

The playing conditions offer an added wrinkle. Sitak describes the courts at the Eric Bell National Tennis Centre as “fast with a high bounce,” and the Pro Penn balls used in the tie are particularly lively. “It almost feels like playing at a little bit of altitude,” Sitak noted.

New Zealand will be represented by Ajeet Rai, KP Pannu, Jack Loutit, Alex Klintcharov, and Finn Reynolds, a mix of emerging talent and experienced campaigners.

New Zealand will have to contend with a highly motivated Jamaican squad, led by Blaise Bicknell, who has been ranked as high as 306, and a passionate home crowd.

“It’s going to be tough,” Sitak acknowledged. 

“They obviously know the conditions well. They practice here, this is their federation facility, so they’re definitely ready. On top of all that, they’re going to have a full crowd, and they’ll be very loud. So that’s us against the players and the whole crowd.”

Despite the uphill battle, Sitak is confident in his players. “Playing away is always difficult, but I think we’re ready,” he said.

With five players in the squad, Sitak has several options to consider when selecting his lineup for each match, as Reynolds is the only doubles specialist in the team.

“I have full trust and confidence in every single one of them,” Sitak said. 

“That’s how high the level has been in the last week of training. I’m going to make the call based on matchups, watch the other guys play again tomorrow in practice, and the draw is on Friday (Saturday NZ time), so Thursday night, it will be decided.”

One of the key additions to the squad is 28-year-old Alex Klintcharov, who has settled in well. 

“He’s a very strong player and a very good team player,” Sitak said. 

“He’s got really good shots, a really good game for the current conditions, so that’s definitely important.”

Another major boost is the presence of Jack Loutit, who was released from his commitment at the University of Kentucky to represent New Zealand. Sitak credited Kentucky head coach Cedric Kauffmann for prioritising Loutit’s development beyond college tennis.

“The great thing about Cedric is that he puts his players and their careers ahead of the college career,” Sitak said. “Not many people would do that, and that’s why he’s such a good coach.”

With selection decisions looming and matchups yet to be set, Sitak remains optimistic about New Zealand’s chances in Kingston. But against a Jamaican team in front of an energised home crowd, the Kiwis know they will need every bit of their preparation to pay off.

The tie begins on Saturday (Sunday NZ time), with two singles rubbers, followed by doubles and the remaining singles matches the day after.