Svensson—no future in N.Z.

Press, 26 December 1987, Page 34

Svensson —no future in N.Z.

PA Wellington The Swedish Davis Cup hopeful, Jonas B. Svensson, has politely dismissed any suggestions of future involvement with New Zealand’s Davis Cup tennis team. The New Zealand Lawn Tennis Association president, lan Wells, had said he was keen to have talks with Svensson, who is ranked No. 29 in the world.

“I intend making an approach,” Wells said. “You never know what can happen till you try. I

think we could put together an attractive package.”

Svensson has not yet been approached officially but has set ideas on the progress of his own career, which includes a strong desire to play for his native Sweden. "What I think is that if you are born in one country and you live there for many years then it’s natural you stay there, even if you don’t get in the team,” he said. Making New Zealand his base does not appeal

to Svensson, who would have to serve three years residency before being eligible to play Davis Cup. Svensson, who retained Swedish citizenship after recently moving to Monte Carlo, said he had no desire to go anywhere else.

“One of my big goals is to play Davis Cup tennis for Sweden in the future,” said Svensson who, despite his world ranking, cannot break into his country’s team, which boasts at least five players in the world’s top 20.

For the immediate future, Svensson’s main concern is his preparation for the BP national championships starting at the Renouf Centre on Monday.

Top-seeded Svensson’s initial worry was trying to master Wellington’s wind, which he said was hard to get used to after playing recent tournaments indoors.

However, with solid practice over the next few days he was hopeful of being at the top of his form by Monday.