South Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis (Seacombe Heights, SA) and Li Tu (Adelaide, SA) have been named to represent Australia at the Junior Davis Cup by BNP Paribas Asia Oceania qualifying tie in Bendigo, Victoria from 24-29 April 2012.
National Academy South Australia Head Coach Milo Bradley said he is looking forward to a dominant South Australian contingent representing Australia.
“I am very impressed that our very own Thanasi Kokkinakis and Li Tu will be heading up the team to lead the Australian Squad” said Bradley “It will be amazing to have South Australians Mark Woodfoorde, Kokkinakis and Tu operating together during the doubles.”
“Kokkinakis contributed significantly last year in India during the Australian victory over Japan clinching the final rubber. Since then, Thanasi has increased his presence on the Pro Circuit by raising his ranking in recent weeks from 1,600 to 1,200 going head to head with a majority of the Pro Circuit big names.”
“Kokkinakis also after his recent ‘Orange Boy’ experience at Australia’s Davis Cup tie against Korea, can be seen a strong leader in the squad”
“Li Tu, Trinity Gardens Club and National Tennis player continues to move up the ranks also on the Pro Circuits after recent work in Queensland and Vietnam. Also, the addition of Victoria’s Daniel Guccione named to support in Doubles, the team would be expected to qualify to represent Australia later in the year in Barcelona”
“Golden Groves, Bradley Mousley has also been named as an alternate to support Guccione role in Doubles if something should eventuate where any ‘injury’ develops”.
Australian Junior Davis Cup Captain Mark Woodforde said he couldn’t wait to be in Bendigo to motivate this young team on the sidelines.
“I’m looking forward to working with the boys,” said Woodforde.
“Thanasi was an orange boy for the Australian team at the tie against Korea last weekend, which will surely give him a boost in confidence.
“He and Li have been working hard on the Australian Pro Tour circuit in recent months and I hope they can bring their match play experience to Bendigo.”
Junior Davis and Fed Cup by BNP Paribas is an international team event for boys and girls aged 16 and under.
Qualifying events are played in Asia Oceania, Europe, South America, North/Central America and Africa to determine the top sixteen teams. The top four qualifiers from the Asia Oceania group will go on to compete in the world finals in Europe in September.
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For further media information please contact:
Clare Chapman, Tennis SA, 0412 484 453
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