Home tie gives Davis Cup team fighting chance against Bosnia and Herzegovina

Captain Pietie Norval believes home advantage could once again prove decisive after South Africa were drawn to face Bosnia and Herzegovina in their Davis Cup World Group II tie from September 18-20.

The draw, conducted at the International Tennis Federation (ITF) offices in London on Thursday, handed South Africa a fourth consecutive home fixture — a timely boost for a squad still riding the momentum of last weekend’s gripping 3-2 victory over Montenegro at Irene Country Club in Centurion.

South Africa were on the brink of defeat after trailing 2-1 after the doubles rubber. But SA No 1 Philip Henning delivered under pressure, producing his second singles win of the weekend to level the tie. Alec Beckley  then sealed a remarkable comeback, fighting back from 5-2 down in the first set of the decisive rubber to ensure the hosts retained their place in World Group II.

Now, Norval’s men will turn their attention to a familiar opponent. The last time they met Bosnia and Herzegovina, they fell 3-1 away in a World Group I tie in Zenica in 2020. This time, however, the setting will be very different.

The clash will be South Africa's fourth home tie in succession.

Norval was confident the home crowd and local conditions would play a key role in helping the SA team compete for a place in the World Group I promotion play-offs.

"I'm so excited about the draw. We're very lucky to get another home tie because it always gives us an extra advantage with our fans being amazing as they are," Norval said. "Last weekend we got the win just because of the fans pushing us.

"Bosnia and Herzegovina are a good team. We lost to them last time we played them and they're ranked significantly higher than we are, but being a home tie we feel we've got a chance. Hopefully if everybody is healthy and available for selection we can put our best team forward and get the win.”