John-Laffnie de Jager to be Named South Africa’s Fed Cup Captain

Written by: Staff on 7th December 2011

John-Laffnie de Jager to be Named South Africa’s Fed Cup Captain

epa02341244 South Africa's Izak van der Merwe talks to?South African team manager John-Laffnie de Jager during the Davis Cup relegation match Germany versus South Africa in Stuttgart, Germany, 17 September 2010. The German team won in four sets 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 and 7-6. EPA/Marijan Murat |

John-Laffnie de Jager, South Africa’s Davis Cup captain for the last six years has also been handed responsibility for the nation’s Fed Cup team.

The former ATP World Tour doubles specialist, who reached the semi-finals of three different major events three times in three different years partnering three different fellow South African players, will replace Greer Leo-Smith who stood down after the 3-0 one Group Three promotion play off against Egypt.

South African Tennis Association chief executive Ian Smith said: “After a thorough interview process and careful consideration by the Board of the SATA John-Laffnie de Jager has been appointed as captain of both the South African Davis Cup and Fed Cup Tennis teams.

“The deciding factors in this decision were past record and knowledge of senior and developing players. We know he and the players of both teams will do us proud.”

Johannesburg-born and Transvaal-based de Jager, aged 38 and once ranked the world’s 11th best doubles player as well as a Mixed Doubles finalist at both the French and Australian Opens, said: “It is a great privilege for me to be appointed Davis and Fed Cup captain.

“It’s an exciting and challenging time for both teams with the Davis Cup team trying to get into the World Group and the Fed Cup Team trying to get into Group I and then the World Group.

“Kevin Anderson, Chani Scheepers and Natalie Grandin had their best year on the tour and that is very exciting for SA tennis. The time is right for getting the new generation of players involved so they can learn from the older and more experienced players.”

He added that one of his priorities is to encourage both Anderson and Scheepers to play next year. “We have seen the huge influence Kevin had on the Davis Cup team and I am sure Chani will have the same impact on the Fed Cup team,” he said. “I am very passionate about my country and it is a huge privilege to serve it.”