Israel tied with Slovenia in Davis Cup tennis tie

Israel’s hopes of returning to the world group play-offs of the tennis’ Davis Cup hangs in the balance as they go into the final day of their Europe/Africa Zone Group I tie against Slovenia, tied at 1-1.

Rain prevented Saturday’s doubles rubber taking place meaning Sunday will see three matches taking place in Portoroz.

Amir Weintraub, ranked No. 198 in the world, gave Israel the lead in the tie on Friday, when he beat Blaz Kavcic, (121) in the world, 4-6, 7-5, 6-4, 3-6, 6-4. However, Dudi Sela, (69), lost 3-6, 4-6, 4-6 to Blaz Rola (118) in Friday’s second singles match.

Andy Ram and Yoni Erlich were due to take part in the doubles rubber on Saturday, against either Rola or Janez Semrajc, and Grega Zemlja in the doubles on Saturday, though persistent rain forced the match back by 24 hours. The reverse singles will follow the doubles, which sees Sela face Kavcic, and Weintraub set to take on Rola.

Sela, while comfortably beaten on Friday, is hoping to show an improved performance on Sunday, He said: “This was my first match on clay in a long time. He’s an excellent player and he never gave me a chance to get into the match. All in all, 1-1 is a good score for us and we’ll see who handles the pressure better on Sunday.”