Fed Cup team to have tryout in Netherlands
Fed Cup team to have tryout in Netherlands
JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian women's tennis team will undergo
an overseas stint in the Netherlands for at least one month
before playing host Italy in its Federation Cup group one playoff
in July.
Indonesian tennis association chairman Sarwono Kusumaatmadja
said yesterday that the Indonesian players will try to get used
to the typical European clay court, which has been chosen by
Italy for the matches.
"European clay court has a slower surface than that of the
Senayan tennis court," said Sarwono.
Sarwono said he would ask his Dutch counterpart to help
Indonesian players during their training session there. "We have
close relations with the Dutch tennis association," Sarwono said.
Indonesia, spearheaded by Yayuk Basuki and Romana Tedjakusuma,
lost 2-3 to Argentina in their nail-biting Group One first round
matches on Sunday. Yayuk convincingly beat Argentinean world
number seven Gabriela Sabatini, but Argentina managed to take the
decisive doubles match.
A draw made by the International Tennis Federation on
Wednesday pit Yayuk and company against Italy, winner of its
zonal group match against Canada, to secure a place in the Group
One. Italy will announce the match venue later.
Argentina, according to the draw, meets Australia also in
July, with the winner joining the 1996 Cup race.
"We suggested Yayuk remain in Europe after taking part in the
French Open and Wimbledon. The other players will join her
later," Sarwono said.
The French Open and Wimbledon, the two Grand Slam tournaments
played in Europe, are in June and July with only a two-week break
between.
Sarwono said that the national tennis body considered sending
Romana and the other Federation Cup members, Enny Sulistyowati
and Mimma Chernovita, to several tournaments before the matches
in Italy. The players will also join several European tournaments
after the Federation Cup matches.
Both Enny and Mimma were sidelined by coach Suharyadi during
the Indonesia-Argentina battle at the Senayan indoor tennis
stadium last week. "We have no other choice but to field only
Yayuk and Romana in such a big match," Suharyadi said.
Sarwono declined to predict his team's chance of beating host
Italy. "I have ordered my staff to monitor how Italian players
make progress now," said Sarwono. (amd)