'No Davis Cup is a setback for tennis'

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8: Abstaining from international tournaments such as the Davis Cup could have a detrimental effect on local tennis.

That’s the view of national tennis coach, Steve Bean, who said international competition helps to keep players “motivated” over the longer haul.

“Yes you want to play in the local tournaments and do well, but it’s always that international exposure that really keeps you going,” he added.

“It keeps you motivated to get out there, train and improve - especially for players like Gavin (Manders) and Jensen (Bascome) who have finished college. The reason they play is for events such as the Davis Cup.”

Due to limited funding the Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) was unable to send teams to this year’s Fed Cup and Davis Cup tournaments.

This in turn has ignited fears that the island’s abstinence in the regional competitions could have a negative impact on players’ development.

“It is a setback when you stop going to these events and this will set us back,” Bean said. “It’s sad that ultimately we didn’t find a way to get these boys and girls to go because it is so important to be involved in these tournaments.

“We have made a name for ourselves in competitions such as the Davis Cup around the different countries. Other countries always look forward to competing against Bermuda because they know when they come on the court to compete against us they have a good match on their hands.”

With the BLTA having pulled the plug on this year’s Davis Cup and Fed Cup, attention has switched to next month’s Island Games in the UK.

Bermuda’s tennis players have traditionally done well at the Island Games, winning multiple medals in individual competition and placing as high as second in the overall team standings.

Disappointing

And top men’s player Manders is looking forward to adding to that proud legacy.

“We want to bring Bermuda back a gold medal and we are not going to be satisfied unless we come back with one. That’s our focus right now as a team,” he declared.

“It’s disappointing that we are not going to be involved in the Davis Cup. But this is only going to make us stronger for the Island Games.”

Former Somerset Trojans footballer Bean echoed Manders’ sentiments.

Bean added: “Everybody is trying to channel their energy into this Island Games squad with hopes of doing as well, if not better, than we have done in the past.”