The health protocols are being imposed strictly amid the tournament.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Davis Cup Group II playoffs in Jakarta from March 4–5, 2022, are expected to raise the enthusiasm of young athletes to excel, Youth and Sports Minister Zainudin Amali said.

"In addition, we hope that the International Tennis Federation can appoint us to be the host of various tournaments in future," he remarked after watching a match at Bung Karno Tennis Stadium, Jakarta, on Friday.

At the match, the Indonesian men’s Davis Cup team played against the Venezuelan team.

Minister Amali said he hoped that Indonesia’s status as host would boost the confidence of the Indonesian team to win the match.

Furthermore, he lauded the athletes for gaining a 2-0 lead over the Venezuelan team.

“In the match, I saw that the development of our male tennis players was great. I expect the Indonesian Tennis Association to continue to hone them," he said.

He further said he expected that the senior team’s achievement would encourage young Indonesian players to improve themselves.

"Hopefully, we can successfully host the tournament and Indonesian players can win the match," he added.

The playoffs will determine whether the Indonesian squad will stay on in Group II or be relegated to Group III in the prestigious tennis championship, he noted.

Related news: Tennis: Indonesia`s Davis Cup team beat Sri Lanka`s 5-0

Meanwhile, regarding the enthusiasm of the people packing the stadium, the minister said that it was proof that Indonesian tennis fans were longing to watch live matches since the COVID-19 pandemic had led to the holding of sporting events without spectators for about two years.

“The health protocols are being imposed strictly amid the tournament,” he assured.

According to Indonesian men’s singles player Christopher Rungkat, who beat Venezuelan athlete Luis David Martinez by 7-6(4) 6-1, the presence of the audience was one of the important factors for his team’s winning the match.

Next, men’s doubles matches will be played on March 5, 2022.

Related news: Tennis - Indonesia eyes two gold in SEA Games doubles

Translator: Arindra Meodia, Uyu Liman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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