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)