WITH just under a month before their home 2025 Davis Cup Group Two play-off tie against New Zealand, Tennis Jamaica President John Azar says preparations, both on and off the court, have been progressing well and he is confident the team will gain promotion.

Jamaica will battle the Kiwis from February 1-2, at Eric Bell National Centre, for a spot in the World Group Two.

Despite losing to Barbados last year and being relegated to Group Three, Jamaica qualified for the 2025 Group Two play-offs as one of the four highest-ranked, non-promoted teams in each 2024 Regional Group Three event.

Members of the team will be named in the coming days, with the likely inclusion of Rowland “Randy” Phillips and Blaise Bicknell, who recently recovered from hip surgery.

Azar told the Jamaica Observer that the association’s adequate planning should benefit the team ahead of the important fixture.

“They have had two training camps thus far, with a third and final one to be held in the days leading up to the tie itself. Additionally, we deliberately applied to host two ITF M15 Futures pro events here in Jamaica over two weeks — starting January 6 and January 13 — to allow members of the team to practise both singles and doubles against top players from across the globe,” he said.

“No doubt this has been invaluable to their preparation as well. Members of our technical team have been observing those matches, and the training camps as well, so I am sure the guys will be ready and raring to go come February 1-2.”

It’s the third year in a row in which Jamaica has hosted the Davis Cup, with Eric Bell Centre undergoing several upgrades.

Though admitting more needs to be done at the venue, Azar is excited that the island has consistently been exposed to international tennis.

“It is amazing to have had this opportunity for three consecutive years, after not having hosted a home tie here prior to that since 2007. It gives our local fans the chance to come out and support the team, and the guys love the energy and vibe of playing at home so we are definitely looking forward to it,” he said.

“There is definitely a lot of work that will go into upgrading the venue ahead of an international tie such as this. It is definitely costly but a worthwhile investment, and having gone through it over the last two years I am confident that the Tennis Jamaica team, working alongside the International Tennis Federation, will once again deliver.”

New Zealand come into the contest as the second-highest-seeded team in the Group Two play-offs but Azar believes the Jamaican team has the potential to spring an upset.

“New Zealand is no doubt a tough team and has a slightly higher world ranking than we do. That said, matches are not won or lost on paper and we feel good going into the contest, playing at home with good crowd support, and once the guys remain fit and injury-free, I like our chances,” said Azar.

“Of course, as with all sports, it will ultimately come down to execution on the days in question, but I know the team is looking forward to it and to giving of their best to ultimately do the country proud,” he added.