Photos: Korea Rep. vs. New Zealand Davis Cup at the Hall of Fame

Photos by Ben Solomon

A special weekend of Davis Cup tennis at the International Tennis Hall of Fame concluded with Korea Rep. advancing over New Zealand, and great fan support for both nations filling the stands in Newport, R.I.

Heading into day 2 of action, the Korean team was leading, 2-0. Team New Zealand's hopes were still in play after the opening match of the day when Olympic bronze medalists Marcus Daniell and Michael Venus came from a set behind to win the doubles match. However, the fourth rubber of the Davis Cup World Group 1 Tie proved to be the deciding one, with Korea’s Soonwoo Kwon defeating New Zealand’s Rubin Statham, 6-3, 6-3.

Generally Davis Cup events are held in the home of the host nation, which, in this case was New Zealand. Due to COVID-19 restrictions for international visitors in New Zealand, the host country for this tie, a neutral site was needed. The players were already in New York for the US Open, so when the team sought a neutral site in the region, the International Tennis Hall of Fame was a perfect fit, with the Kiwi team eager to host in such a unique spot.

“With Davis Cup, you would like to be playing at home, but as far as a neutral venue goes, this is as good as it gets. With the history at this club and these stunning courts, plus the museum here, it’s all very special,” said Daniell.

This special neutrals-site tie was the third time Davis Cup tennis had been hosted at the International Tennis Hall of Fame. The first was 100 years ago in 1921, when the Australasian team (representing Australia and New Zealand) played Japan, and then again in 1991 when Team USA faced Spain.

"This was my first time seeing a Davis Cup match, and it was really special. Even thought this wasn't a traditional match up at home for the players, their pride in playing for their nation was so obvious. All the players left it all on the court, and it was awesome to see some great tennis here in Newport in September," said Anna Devine, a Rhode Islander in attendance.

Known as the “The World Cup of Tennis”, the international team tennis competition, it was founded in 1900 by namesake and Hall of Famer Dwight Davis. Over 130 nations are represented in 2021’s competition, which features first round matches taking place all over the world September 17-19 in a knock-out format. This weekend’s winners will move onto the next round, ultimately, with a world champion to be crowned and win the Davis Cup.

With the victory in Newport, Team Korea advances to the next stage of competition. Learn more about what's next for both teams, here.