Whangārei Announced as Davis Cup Venue in February

New Zealand will host Bosnia & Herzegovina in a Davis Cup World Group I tie at McKay Stadium in Kensington, Whangārei, on 7-8 February 2026.

The fixture follows New Zealand’s recent victory over Georgia in Palmerston North in September, a result that secured promotion to World Group I. The Whangārei tie will be the first Davis Cup event held in the region.

Davis Cup, known as the World Cup of Tennis, is one of the world’s oldest international sporting events and sees the best men’s teams from more than 150 nations compete each year.

Bosnia & Herzegovina bring a competitive squad, led by world No. 57 Damir Džumhur and Nerman Fatić, currently ranked No. 212. New Zealand Davis Cup Captain Artem Sitak says the team is preparing thoroughly for the challenge.

“Bosnia & Herzegovina have a strong team, so we expect a high standard of tennis across both days. Our players understand what is required at this level, and we will approach the tie with lots of good preparation and a clear focus on the task,” Sitak said.

Tennis NZ Chief Executive Julie Paterson says hosting a World Group I tie in Whangārei reflects the continued commitment to growing the sport across the regions.

“Bringing Davis Cup tennis to Whangārei is an important opportunity to showcase the sport at an elite level. The Northland community is passionate about the game at both grassroots and professional level, so we’re pleased to see this tie staged in Northland,” Paterson said.

The fixture is a big moment for Whangārei District Council, who see the value the event brings to the community.

“We’re thrilled to welcome world-class tennis to Whangārei,” says Council Community Services Group General Manager Victoria Harwood. “This event is an incredible opportunity to showcase Whangārei as an international host city, attract visitors, and inspire our young sportspeople. Our community can also look forward to activities that connect and engage locals, including school visits and a ball-kid programme.”

“McKay Stadium will be transformed into a premier international tennis venue for the occasion, featuring tiered seating and a portable indoor court, with matches streamed to audiences around the world.”

Tennis Northland’s General Manager Brittany White echoed these sentiments, “We’re excited to bring the Davis Cup to Whangārei. It’s a huge opportunity for tennis in Northland, inspiring more people to get involved and helping grow the sport across the region,” she said.

In addition to Tennis Northland, Sport Northland is providing significant support for the event through their management of McKay Stadium. Bringing Davis Cup tennis to Whangārei for the first time aligns well with objectives around connected partnerships with sporting codes and diversified use of venues.

The New Zealand team will be named closer to the event and will feature players competing across the ATP Tour, the World Tennis Tour, and US collegiate programmes.

The two-day format will feature two singles rubbers on day one, followed by doubles and reverse singles on day two.

General admission tickets and courtside corporate hospitality tables will be on sale very soon.