James Watt gives NZ 1-0 lead in Davis Cup tie against Georgia

New Zealand have taken the first step towards advancing in the Davis Cup World Group II tie, after debutant James Watt claimed victory in the opening rubber against Georgia at Fly Palmy Arena in Palmerston North on Saturday.

Watt, ranked 569 in the world, defeated Zura Tkemaladze 6-2 7-6(2) in one hour 36 minutes to hand the hosts a 1-0 advantage in the best-of-five tie.

Captain Artem Sitak gave Watt the responsibility of opening the tie, and the 23-year-old quickly settled into the contest. 

His big serve allowed him to hold comfortably in the early games, while Tkemaladze was forced to work harder to stay in touch.

Watt secured the first break in the sixth game, moving forward to finish the point with a controlled forehand into open court. He closed out the set two games later, when Tkemaladze double-faulted on set point.

The second set proved more competitive. Tkemaladze broke Watt’s serve for the first time to lead 4-3 and later served for the set at 5-4. 

Watt responded immediately, breaking back with a smash at the net. The set moved into a tiebreak where Watt took control, leading 4-2 at the change of ends and sealing the match with a serve into Tkemaladze’s body that the Georgian could not return.

Georgia’s squad in Palmerston North has been weakened by the absence of its leading player, Nikoloz Basilashvili. Ranked 111 in the world, Basilashvili has not represented his country in Davis Cup since 2021.

Further disruption has come with Saba Portseladze, Georgia’s second-highest ranked player, struggling with injury and in doubt to take part this weekend. That has left the visitors with limited options, as their 39-year-old captain David Kvernadze has been listed as the team’s fifth player.

Later on Saturday, Jack Loutit is scheduled to play Aleksandre Bakshi in the second singles rubber.

Sunday’s play begins with the doubles, with Ajeet Rai and Finn Reynolds set to face Kvernadze and Alexandre Metreveli at midday. 

The tie concludes with the reverse singles, with Watt down to meet Bakshi and Loutit to face Tkemaladze, although both captains are able to make substitutions on the day.

The winner of the tie will progress to the World Group I playoffs in 2026, while the loser will drop into the World Group II playoff round.