The Sunday Mail
Brighton Zhawi
BENJAMIN LOCK has confirmed his availability for Zimbabwe’s Davis Cup tie away to Georgia in July.
The University of Florida student missed the 1-4 loss to Finland due to college commitments, but is ready to play his part in the must- win Europe/Africa Group II tie in Georgia from July 15-17.
““I will be available,” he said.
The 23-year-old also spoke for the first time about his absence for the Finland tie.
“It was extremely difficult as I wanted to be there with the team and play for my country. My university has been so good to me in the past and has always given priority to playing for my country.
“But this year the timing of the Davis Cup tie clashed with some really important matches and so my coach asked me to stay and play these matches in my last season.
“I am bound by a contract I have with the university and so I had no choice but to respect their decision.”
Lock has been in terrific form and was last week named the Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Week for the first time in his career.
This comes two months after his younger brother, Courtney, also won that accolade while representing the University of Louisville.
“I am playing really well right now,” the elder Lock said. “College tennis is so tough and each weekend I get to play the best in the country and this challenges me and keeps my game really sharp.”
