sa国际传媒 isn't underestimating South Africa in their Davis Cup tie.
Although sa国际传媒 boasts a healthy roster comprised of its top players and the South Africans have been depleted by injury, the home favourite isn't taking anything for granted with a spot in the World Group at stake starting today.
"We're facing South Africa and their captain has to choose his players based on his situation," said Canadian captain Martin Laurendeau. "We're playing guys who know how to play. It's a best-of-five and we're ready to face anyone."
Kevin Anderson, South Africa's highest-ranked player at 37th in the world, didn't travel with the team to Montreal. And on the eve of the tournament, South Africa captain John Laffnie de Jager learned he'd be without Rik de Voest, who has been sidelined with a wrist injury.
That forced de Jager to add himself to the team in order to meet the fourplayer requirement.
Slotted in de Voest's place on the court is 21year-old Nikala Scholtz.
"It's going to be a great experience for him," said de Jager. "Nikala is one of our top young guys so it's a great opportunity for him.
... It is a big loss for us that Rick can't play.
"And we've got to deal with it now."
Scholtz, who plays for the University of Mississippi, will be making his Davis Cup debut when he faces off against Milos Raonic of Thornhill, Ont., in the second of the singles matches this afternoon.
"It's a little different than playing for a university. It's something that's always been a dream to me and it's becoming a reality," said Scholtz. "I'm just going to grab it with both hands and try to make the most of it and just enjoy it.
"I think I'm going in as the underdog - I like that."
Raonic's season has him ranked 15th in the world heading into the competition, on the heels of his appearance in the round of 16 at the U.S. Open, where he fell to tournament champion Andy Murray.
