South Africa struck first through top-ranked Philip Henning, who delivered a composed and authoritative performance in the opening singles rubber against Montenegro’s Aleksa Krivokapic.

After a competitive start, Henning steadily asserted control from the baseline, using a strong serve and measured aggression to secure a straight-sets victory, 6-4 6-2, and hand the hosts an early advantage.

South Africa’s top-ranked player, Phillip Henning, who was born and bred in Bloemfontein, said it was important to get off to strong start.

“It’s always good to get that first win for the team,” said Henning, a product of Grey College.

“I’m settling into the conditions. We’ve practised here all week, but match play is a different challenge. I felt solid, served well and stayed composed, so it was a good outing, and I’m looking forward to Sunday.”

The second singles encounter proved far more taxing for South Africa, with Alec Beckley battling through sweltering conditions against Montenegro’s No 1, Petar Jovanovic. Beckley recovered impressively after dropping the opening set, lifting his intensity to claim the second and force a decider. 

However, Jovanovic held his nerve in the crucial moments of the third set to clinch a 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 win and draw the tie level.

“I felt fine physically, even though it was a long match.” 

Alec Beckley. Photo: Barco Greeff

“I struggled early, but I found my rhythm in the second set. In the third, I had chances, but he served well on the big points. One game slipped away, and that made the difference. It’s disappointing, but we’ll regroup and come back stronger.”

With the tie finely balanced, South Africa captain Pietie Norval faces important selection decisions ahead of Sunday’s doubles clash. 

Thando Longwe-Smit and Kris van Wyk were initially earmarked for the match earlier in the week, but Norval acknowledged that the level scoreline may prompt a reassessment.

“We’ll sit down as a team and look at what gives us the best chance. At 1–1, the doubles becomes almost decisive. You want to field your strongest possible combination, but there are other factors to consider.”

Norval explained workload management would be key, particularly with the reverse singles scheduled for later in the day.

“If someone like Philip plays doubles, he has to turn around and play singles soon after. We’ve got a few options, and it’s about getting the balance right. We have until an hour before the doubles to finalise the pairing.”

The decisive second day of the Davis Cup World Group II playoff between South Africa and Montenegro gets underway on Sunday at 10:00, with the doubles match, followed by the two reverse singles fixtures later in the day.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg