24 Sep 2014

Relegation fight for NZ Tennis

1:58 pm on 24 September 2014

The New Zealand Davis Cup team and the venue have been confirmed for the side's Asia/Oceania Group One relegation tie against Chinese Taipei next month.

The tie will be played indoors at Wilding Park in Christchurch with the winner remaining in Asia/Oceania Group One for 2015,

The New Zealand team captain Alistair Hunt has named an in-form team of Michael Venus, Marcus Daniell, Rubin Statham and Artem Sitak.

New Zealand tennis player Michael Venus.

New Zealand tennis player Michael Venus. Photo: Photosport

Hunt says Chinese-Taipei can't be underestimated.

The last time the countries played was two years ago when Chinese Taipei won 3-2.

New Zealand leads in head-to-head clashes between the two nations 3-1 after winning in 1985, 1987 and 1995 all by 5-0.

Michael Venus is currently the top ranked New Zealander at 338 in singles, however he is 61 in doubles and has played all four Grand Slams this year, making the doubles third round at the Australian and US Open's.

Chinese Taipei's top player is likely to be Jimmy Wang who is currently ranked 134 in singles and has been inside the top 100.