Davis Cup Returns to Christchurch over Waitangi Weekend

Tennis NZ today announced its Davis Cup World Group 1 Play-off event vs Bulgaria will be held in Christchurch. The tie will be held on 4 & 5 February 2023 outdoors at Wilding Park Tennis Centre.  

Wilding Park has a long history of hosting Davis Cup ties, however has not seen an event since a 5-0 defeat of Pakistan in 2016. New Zealand has hosted its last two home ties in the United States, due to COVID-19 border restrictions.

NZ Davis Cup captain Kelly Evernden has great memories of Davis Cup ties in Christchurch, including a famous 3-2 World Group victory in 1990 over a Yugoslavia team which included all-time great Goran Ivanišević. “I have some great memories of Wilding Park as a player and to now return as captain is a real honour. Christchurch has been the host of some of New Zealand’s greatest Davis Cup moments and it’s fantastic to be heading back to compete in front of a Canterbury crowd once again. I know our team will be up to the challenge of adding to the legacy.” Said Evernden

Tennis Canterbury General Manager Bevan Johns can’t wait to see the return of international team’s tennis to Christchurch. “Christchurch will be out in force to support our team in the Davis Cup this February. Our tennis community have been waiting a long time for events at this level to return, we’re excited to work with Tennis NZ and Christchurch City Council to put on a world-class event here at Wilding Park” Said Johns.  

Christchurch City Council Head of Recreation, Sports & Events Nigel Cox is delighted to see another top international sporting event in the city this summer. “We are thrilled to have Davis Cup tennis returning to Christchurch. It is a great addition to the summer event line up and we’re really looking forward to seeing our country’s top tennis stars in action.’’

The New Zealand team have enjoyed mixed success over recent years in the competition, with a two win, two loss record going back to 2020. The Bulgarian side will present a stern test, with the potential to call on world number 28 Grigor Dimitrov, although Dimitrov hasn’t represented his national side in recent years.  The winner of the tie will compete in a World Group 1 tie in September, whilst the loser will drop to World Group 2.  

Further details including information on ticket sales will be available soon.