Saint Lucia’s Davis Cup captain, Keiran President, says the team aims to improve from 2024, when it finished bottom of its group.
Last year in Trinidad & Tobago, Saint Lucia lost to Cuba, the US Virgin Islands, Nicaragua and the hosts. Their only win came in doubles, as Jordan Hunte and Maxx William got past Nicaragua.
President, a former national player and director of tennis at Chicago State University, spoke on Monday, as Saint Lucia prepared to serve off on Tuesday at the hardcourts of Trinidad & Tobago’s National Racquet Centre in Tacarigua.
“[We want to] come here, have some fun, do a little better than last year, improve as we go along, and hopefully qualify for the next stages,” he said. “We have more players this year, you know, a little deeper team. So, hopefully, that’ll help get us towards the next steps.
Hunte and William are back from last season, but Kevin Deligny and Akeem Gustave replace Alberton Richelieu and Vernon Lewis. Trevor Hunte is the team manager.
Saint Lucia have been placed in Pool A, alongside Guatemala, the United States Virgin Islands, Haiti and hosts Trinidad & Tobago. Only the top two teams from each group advance to the playoff round for a chance to be promoted to Group III.
The Saint Lucia Tennis Association said President can get the best out of the quartet.
“His focus has been on fostering team chemistry, improving tactical awareness and ensuring the squad is mentally and physically prepared for each tie,” read a release from the federation.
The Davis Cup, which bills itself as The World Cup of Tennis, is the world’s biggest international team sport competition.
