10 August 2016 | tennis.com.au

Sydney will host Davis Cup tennis next month for the first time in five years.

The Davis Cup by BNP Paribas World Group Play-off tie between Australia and Slovakia will be played on a purpose-built grass court at Ken Rosewall Arena, Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre from 16 to 18 September 2016.

The two nations will battle it out for the first time in Davis Cup history when they play for a spot in the 2017 World Group.

The announcement is a major boost for world class tennis in New South Wales, which has hosted the world’s best players for two straight years in FAST4 Tennis and is home to one of the world’s oldest tournaments, the Apia International Sydney.

Ken Rosewall Arena is named after one of the greats of Australian tennis. The now 81-year-old won 18 major titles, including a career doubles Grand Slam and holds a 19-3 win-loss record in Davis Cup. He was a member of Davis Cup title-winning teams in 1953, 1955, 1956 and 1973.

Australian Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt said the team was looking forward to playing in front of a patriotic Sydney crowd in September.

“To play a home tie in Sydney on grass at Ken Rosewall Arena is a great opportunity for us,” he said.

“We are determined to secure our place in the World Group and will be doing everything we can to achieve this.

“Although Australia has never met Slovakia before at Davis Cup we know they will be a challenge and we look forward to the battle ahead. The likes of top 30 player Martin Klizan and top 100 player Lukas Lacko are ones to watch over the coming weeks.

“The team will be ready to go and we hope the fans come out in force to cheer us on.”

Hunters Hill Lawn Tennis Club has been chosen as the official practice venue for the tie.

Tennis NSW CEO Alistair MacDonald was today excited to welcome Davis Cup tennis back to Sydney.

“We’re thrilled New South Wales will be able to host Australia and Slovakia for what will be an important Davis Cup tie,” he said.

“Sydney is already host to the Apia International Sydney and FAST4 Tennis and we are delighted to give local fans the opportunity to see high quality action ahead of another great summer of tennis.

“We look forward to putting on a spectacular weekend and hope to see everyone come out to the tennis to cheer on the Aussie team.”

Davis Cup was last played in Sydney in September 2011 between Australia and Switzerland.

Team nominations for Australia and Slovakia will be announced 10 days out from the tie.

The Davis Cup by BNP Paribas World Group Play-off tie at Ken Rosewall Arena has been secured for Sydney with the support of its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.

Three-day tickets will go on sale to the general public at 12.00 pm AEST Monday 15 August via Ticketek or by calling 132 849.