Israel today presented the US city of Sunrise as their preferred venue to play the upcoming Davis Cup play-off against Argentina, with Cyprus capital Nicosia another possibility for the World Group relegation tie.
An answer is expected in the next 24 hours from the International Tennis Federation (ITF), which will determine if they accept Israel’s choice of an alternative location. The tie, which will be played between September 12-14, was originally scheduled to be played in Tel Aviv, but was moved due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Sunrise, located in Florida, would meet with Argentina’s approval as a venue, despite the fact that as nominal hosts Israel would still choose the surface and balls for the play-off. A large number of Argentines reside in the state, meaning that Martín Jaite’s team could count on strong support for the crucial match.
If the US city and Nicosia are both discarded by the ITF, Buenos Aires City is another option for the tennis governing body. The Argentine Tennis Association has made known their willingness to host the tie at the historic Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis, in the Palermo neighbourhood.
Argentina were condemned to fight to keep their World Group status after going out of the competition in the first round, losing 3-1 to Italy. Defeat against Israel could see the nation fall out of tennis’ elite for the first time since 2001.
Fuente: Buenos Aires Herald