WHILE controversy escalates here over Kevin Anderson’s ongoing refusal to play in South Africa’s Davis Cup matches, the country’s dominant tennis player has admitted he is seeking dual nationality with the United States.
Without Anderson’s participation, South Africa, following the 4-1 drubbing against Slovenia over the week-end, are facing likely relegation to the third-tier Euro-Africa Group Two Davis Cup segment in a deciding tie against what is expected to be a powerful Russian combination in Russia from October 25.
Once the world’s 21st-ranked Anderson achieves his expected dual South African-USA nationality, he will be eligible to represent both countries in the Davis Cup from 2015 – as long as he has satisfied the International Tennis Federation’s (ITF) provision of not representing South Africa for three years.
Anderson last played for South Africa in Davis Cup competition in a World Group playoff against Croatia in September 2011 and would ostensibly be in a position to decide whether to make himself available for either South Africa or the United States in 2015 as a dual citizen – as long as he has satisfied the ITF’s three-year proviso.
In a statement released by Anderson’s agent, Stuart Duguid yesterday, which was authorised by the player, Anderson said his attitude towards Davis Cup participation had “not changed”.
“In response to the rumours and misinformation circulating about Kevin’s citizenship,” says Duguid, “I wish to clarify the issue on his behalf.
“He is indeed applying for dual citizenship as his wife is American and he trains in Florida,” said the statement.
“This makes it much easier for Kevin to travel internationally – which he does nearly every week – and return to the States without any immigration hassle each time.
“It has nothing to do with Davis Cup tennis. Moreover, dual citizenship is very different to switching citizenship, which would involve giving up his South African citizenship.
“His position on Davis Cup tennis has not changed since he last went on record – he will assess his position on a tie-by-tie basis considering all factors.”
South African Davis Cup captain John-Laffnie de Jager said yesterday that Anderson could “clear the air” by making himself available for the vital tie against Russia – which would prove he has no plans of representing the United States in the future.
Kevin eyes playing for Uncle Sam
Without Anderson’s participation, South Africa, following the 4-1 drubbing against Slovenia over the week-end, are facing likely relegation to the third-tier Euro-Africa Group Two Davis Cup segment in a deciding tie against what is expected to be a powerful Russian combination in Russia from October 25.
Once the world’s 21st-ranked Anderson achieves his expected dual South African-USA nationality, he will be eligible to represent both countries in the Davis Cup from 2015 – as long as he has satisfied the International Tennis Federation’s (ITF) provision of not representing South Africa for three years.
Anderson last played for South Africa in Davis Cup competition in a World Group playoff against Croatia in September 2011 and would ostensibly be in a position to decide whether to make himself available for either South Africa or the United States in 2015 as a dual citizen – as long as he has satisfied the ITF’s three-year proviso.
In a statement released by Anderson’s agent, Stuart Duguid yesterday, which was authorised by the player, Anderson said his attitude towards Davis Cup participation had “not changed”.
“In response to the rumours and misinformation circulating about Kevin’s citizenship,” says Duguid, “I wish to clarify the issue on his behalf.
“He is indeed applying for dual citizenship as his wife is American and he trains in Florida,” said the statement.
“This makes it much easier for Kevin to travel internationally – which he does nearly every week – and return to the States without any immigration hassle each time.
“It has nothing to do with Davis Cup tennis. Moreover, dual citizenship is very different to switching citizenship, which would involve giving up his South African citizenship.
“His position on Davis Cup tennis has not changed since he last went on record – he will assess his position on a tie-by-tie basis considering all factors.”
South African Davis Cup captain John-Laffnie de Jager said yesterday that Anderson could “clear the air” by making himself available for the vital tie against Russia – which would prove he has no plans of representing the United States in the future.
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