Indonesia awaits Romana's yes to joining tennis team

Indonesia awaits Romana's yes to joining tennis team

JAKARTA (JP): Romana Tedjakusuma is expected to join the Federation Cup women's tennis team this week as it gears up for a first-round clash against Belgium next month.

Eddy Katimansah, a senior official at the Indonesian Tennis Association, told The Jakarta Post yesterday that Romana, who is studying in the United States, is prepared to play but needs her coach's approval.

"Romana told me it would be her honor to be a part of the team," said Eddy, who has telephoned the second ranked Indonesian women's singles player several times.

On scholarship at a university in Louisiana, Romana has to consult both her academy director and her coach before accepting the Fed Cup team's offer.

She is expected to back up Indonesia's top player, Yayuk Basuki, in the Fed Cup matches scheduled for April 19 and 20 at the Senayan indoor tennis stadium.

With its world number 25 Sabine Appelmans, Belgium is the favorite in the two-day match.

"If Romana is allowed to play in the Fed Cup, she has to return home before April 1," Eddy said.

Romana's second appearance in the Fed Cup is crucial to Indonesia's quest for a women's doubles wild card at the Olympic Games in Atlanta.

Romana and Yayuk won the Asian Championships doubles title in November last year. Yayuk, now ranked 38th in the world, looks certain to make her second singles Olympic appearance.

Indonesia will pick two more players to complete its Fed Cup lineup. In the running are juniors Enny Sulistyowati, Agustin Limanto, Lisa Andriyani and Wynne Prakusya.

The juniors will be selected based on their tournament records, either in junior or satellite events, Eddy said.

Fed Cup veteran Mimma Chernovita and her Jakarta teammates Wukirasih Sawondari and Marieke Gunawan were earlier denied spots on the team. (05)