Dutch tennis star Robin Haase still remembers his Davis Cup debut — which didnt go as planned for him and his nation during their 2006 Davis Cup World Group Play-off tie against the Czech Republic. Haase, now 31 years old, was beaten by Berdych 6-2 6-4 6-4 in the second rubber of the tie.
Back then, the Czech Republic routinely handled the Netherlands as they won the opening four rubbers of the tie — before Haase beat Jan Hernych in the fifth rubber to help his side to avoid a total demolition. At the time I think it was a little too early [for me].
I got destroyed by Tomas Berdych. The only thing that was great for me personally was that I saved the honour of Holland the tie was already done but I won the dead rubber and it was also a Top 100 win for me. It was great and the whole experience as a team to be involved, as tennis is an individual sport so to suddenly be in a team was a great feeling, Haase recalled his debut, per the Davis Cup site.
The Czech Republic and Netherlands are set to take on each other as the two sides will clash on an indoor-clay surface in Ostrava in a Davis Cup qualifying round tie from February 01-02. Haases fellow compatriot Talking Griekspoor, 22, will be making his Davis Cup debut when he meets Jiri Vesely in the opening rubber of the tie.
He (Griekspoor) has been in the team four, five times but he has never played. It doesnt feel like its his first time. Of course, for him it will be a very exciting match, he will probably be nervous.
But I will be nervous after 13 years as well, Haase said. Meanwhile, Haase is due to meet Lukas Rosol in the second rubber of the tie. Also read: Serbian basketball star: Novak Djokovic is a big basketball fan
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