Pretoria, South Africa, 2 September 2025 – South Africa will rely on a new-look national squad as they attempt to continue climbing the Davis Cup ladder when they face Morocco in a World Group II clash at Groenkloof Tennis Club in Pretoria on 13 and 14 September.
The six-member Renault South Africa team selected by captain Pietie Norval will be led by Kris van Wyk and Alec Beckley, who have both played three Davis Cup ties since 2023, and 19-year-old Leo Matthysen, who has represented South Africa in two ties in the international men’s team competition.
Van Wyk, the top-ranked player in the team, has been particularly impressive this year, having progressed beyond the quarterfinals in four doubles and one singles tournament on the ITF circuit.
Beckley, meanwhile, has reached singles and doubles finals at ITF tournaments in Czechia and Germany respectively.
Matthysen has not put himself in contention for a title, but he has progressed to the semifinals at three doubles tournaments at home and abroad.
The other three members of the squad – Thando Longwe-Smit, experienced 30-year-old player Marc van der Merwe and 17-year-old prospect Connor Doig – will be hoping to make their Davis Cup debuts.
Longwe-Smit has reached doubles semifinals at ITF tournaments in Pretoria and Tunisia this season and progressed to the penultimate round of the singles competition at an ITF tournament in Hillcrest last month, while Van der Merwe reached the final in Hillcrest where he was edged out in the trophy battle against compatriot Philip Henning.
Doig has also impressed at junior level, qualifying for the main draw of the boys singles division at the Wimbledon Championships last month where he also progressed to the doubles quarterfinals with Indian partner Kriish Tyagi.
“There are a few players who are unavailable, but we are excited about this team,” Norval said after announcing the squad.
“If we can find a way to get through this tie we’ll get so much closer to World Group I, which is important for our country, and we hope it will be to our advantage playing at high altitude in Pretoria.
“We’re not quite sure about the strength of Morocco’s players. We know their players and their rankings, but you never quite know when the players arrive how good they’re going to be, so we will prepare for a strong team.
“We’re very proud to be able to represent South Africa and we believe we’ve got a good chance.”
South Africa will turn out in a Davis Cup tie for the first time since beating Nigeria 3-1 in the World Group II playoffs in Pretoria in February.
The winners of the contest between South Africa, lying 58th in the Davis Cup rankings, and Morocco, seven places ahead of the hosts in 51st position, will progress to the World Group I promotion playoffs. The losing side will compete in the World Group II relegation playoffs.
Renault South Africa team (singles/doubles rankings):
Kris van Wyk (434/309)
Alec Beckley (592/395)
Marc van der Merwe (1072/1666)
Thando Longwe-Smit (1189/1214)
Connor Doig (1508/2041)
Leo Matthysen (NA/1299)
Tickets for the Davis Cup World Group II tie between South Africa and Morocco are now available at www.webtickets.co.za
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For More South African Tennis News: Renault South Africa Davis Cup Team drawn against Morocco for World Group II tie
