TENNIS Jamaica President John Azar says he is disappointed but proud after Jamaica crashed out of the Davis Cup Group Two qualifier, losing 3-1 to Uruguay on Sunday.

“Of course we are disappointed with the end result but all credit to team Uruguay who played well throughout the weekend and got the win,” Azar told the Jamaica Observer.

“I am extremely proud of our team, they prepared well, fought hard, and left it all out on the court — which is all we could ever ask of them.

“We knew we were the underdogs going in, insofar as rankings are concerned, but the matches were all really close and, but for a few points here and there, we could easily have come out on top.”

Azar’s son Daniel partnered Nicholas Gore, but lost the doubles match 4-6, 4-6 to Ariel Behar and Franco Roncadelli.

Roncadelli, who was the highest-ranked player in the tournament at 337 in the world, was integral in Uruguay’s success, winning all three matches he was involved in. He won his opening match against Rowland “Randy” Phillips, then won against Blaise Bicknell.

“I think with all four matches played we had chances and could have won all four,” John Azar said. “As glorious as sport is, the one negative is that someone has to lose a tie like this — and, unfortunately, that was us this time around.

“Again, no regrets — aside from the result itself — and I am super proud of everyone on the team, including the captain, coach and the support staff.”

The Davis Cup drew a crowd to the Liguanea Club in New Kingston as the venue was packed and proved a good sign for lawn tennis in Jamaica.

“I think the event went really well. We had a packed venue on both days and I am sure the guys were appreciative of the strong home support,” John Azar said.

“We have a relatively young team who will only get better and I have no doubt that we will regroup and come back stronger than ever.”

Plans are underway to attract more talent to the sport, which is often considered one for Jamaica’s affluent.

“We’re launching our street tennis programme,” John Azar said. “There are some mini tennis courts we’ve set up here at Liguanea Club which are going to be set up, literally, out in the streets across the island. They’re portable courts.

“We’re taking tennis to the people instead of only waiting for people to come to tennis. So, the sport is growing, thank God, and obviously hosting Davis Cup matches like this is great — not only for our players to play in front of the fans, fans to watch good tennis, but for our young players and future stars to watch these matches, hopefully get inspired by them, train a bit harder, commit themselves a bit more, and hopefully create champions of the future.”

AZAR…the sport is growing, thank God, and obviously hosting Davis Cup matches like this is great (Photo: Joseph Wellington)