More needed for Davis Cup push - McGregor

Second vice-president of Tennis Jamaica, Lockett McGregor says it will take financial support and a greater exposure of players for the nation to be represented in the world group at the Davis Cup.

Jamaica is set to participate in the Americas Zone in Group Three on May 28. The trials for selection to the squad is set for March 23 to 25.

"The trials phase of what we are doing is trying to level the playing field for every tennis players that meet the qualification to represent Jamaica from here and in the Diaspora," said McGregor.

"Once you are qualified to play for Jamaica, we want to reach out. It is up to you to bring what you have to the table. We can't stay here and train here and expect to play at that level against players that are travelling and playing internationally," he explained, before pointing to the challenges faced.

"Unfortunately for us, there is a funding problem at Tennis Jamaica. We can't get sponsors for our players to go out there. It is very expensive to get them abroad. Tennis Jamaica is a non-profit organisation and the funding we get from SDF (Sports Development Foundation) and others is not enough," McGregor told The Gleaner.

"It is difficult to pick three or four players and put them out there. Just to go for the Davis Cup it cost pretty much about $2 million for a week. Financially, that is a problem," he added, while underlining the need for greater exposure.

More tournaments

"What we are trying to do is play more tournament for our local players to keep training. Hopefully, we can attract some of our players that are overseas in College. We want to attract players of Jamaican connection that are doing very well. We have a few interests but no commitment as yet," said McGregor.

The Davis Cup is the premier international team event in men's tennis. It is run by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and is contested annually between teams from competing countries in a knock-out format. It is described by the organisers as the "World Cup of Tennis", and the winners are referred to as the World Champion team.

The 16 best national teams are assigned to the World Group and compete annually for the Davis Cup. Nations, which are not in the World Group compete in one of three regional zones (Americas, Asia/Oceania, and Europe/Africa).

The competition is spread over four weekends during the year.