Davis Cup triumph in Israel

Israel will be back in the Davis Cup World Group One in September after defeating South Africa 3-1 in front of a vocal home crowd in the southern Israeli city of Ashdod last week.

Yishai Oliel had the biggest victory of his career to date, beating world number 34 Lloyd Harris 6-3 6-4 to win the tie for Israel, which will advance to the Davis Cup play-offs.

Earlier, Daniel Zuckerman lost the opening singles rubber on day one to Harris 4-6 4-6, before Oliel outclassed Rowan Roulopsa 6-2 6-3.

In the doubles on day two, Israel edged ahead in a thrilling three-setter, winning it 7-6 3-6 6-3 against Harris, who partnered with Raven Klassen.

Israel’s captain Yoni Ehrlich said, “There is really good harmony in our team and I have to take my hat off to our players – and to win in front of an Israeli crowd, nothing beats that.”

Oliel added, “I was very optimistic about this meet, the atmosphere was amazing and the confidence I got from the whole team . . . took a lot of pressure off.”