Davis Cup passion burns in Klaasen's belly

Kevin Anderson's reluctance to play Davis Cup tennis for his country for the past two years has irked most South African tennis lovers, but there are also a good deal who are sensitive to the reasoning of the tall American-based player.

 As the Anderson debate continued to rage, the affable Klaasen, who makes King Williams Town his home, consistently made himself available for Davis Cup selection despite a rigorous playing schedule.

 Although he only reached a career-high singles ranking of 208 in the world, he has enjoyed considerable success playing doubles and reached a career-high ninth midway through 2016.

 Klaasen and his doubles partner Eric Butorac also reached the Australian Open doubles final in 2014.

 Klaasen, the senior citizen in the SA Davis Cup team to face Estonia in a Euro-Africa Group tie at Irene Country Club this week, was nominated by team captain Marcos Ondruska to partner Ruan Roelofse in the doubles.

 Lloyd Harris (No 1) and Nic Scholtz (No 2) were named as Ondruska's two singles picks to face the Estonians.

 "It is hard for me to know what’s going on in other people's minds, but I can guarantee you this - any tennis player would love the opportunity to play for your country," says Klaasen.

 Klaasen says he has always found it easy to justify a reason to play in the Davis Cup.

 "In most cases though the sport of professional tennis is one that is inwardly motivated and selfish and we tend to plan as long as things go well for us."

 "I think when you speak to any tennis player, even those who haven't played Davis Cup, they are still motivated to want to represent their country and there's something special about that which cannot be reproduced."

 "I have always envisioned playing for my country being a big part of my tennis career, he added. “It’s right up there and holds a very special place for me."

 Klaasen, however, is very quick to caution that it isn't always a cut and dried issue.

 "It hasn't always been easy for me to make myself available, but I do see the value in doing it and I have always enjoyed playing for SA. That is why I have been available so many times."

 Captain Ondruska, who has been in charge of the team for just more than a year, heaped praise on Klaasen.

 "I cannot say enough about Raven and having him on the team and how much it means for the rest of the team," says Ondruska.

 Ondruska points out that the bulk of the team are already in their mid-20s, which in tennis terms is not considered to be young.

 "They are lacking some of the experiences and that's exactly what Raven brings to the table."

 "It brings these guys a whole new perspective and they start understanding the tour and what it takes to be successful."

 The Draw:

 Friday Feb 3 (Singles):

 Nic Scholtz (SA No 2) vs Jurgen Zopp (Est No 1)

 Lloyd Harris (SA No 1) vs Vladimir Ivanov (Est No 2)

Saturday Feb 4: (Doubles Rubber)

Raven Klaasen/Ruan Roelofse (SA) vs Kenneth Raisma/Mattias Siimar (Est)

Sunday Feb 5: (Reverse Singles)

 Harris vs Zopp

 Scholtz vs Ivanov