JOA throws support behind Davis Cup push

The Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) has thrown its full support behind Tennis Jamaica (TJ) ahead of the country’s Davis Cup Group Two Play-off tie against Uruguay, committing $2 million in sponsorship as the team prepares for the crucial encounter. The highly anticipated clash will be held on February 7-8 at the Liguanea Club in New Kingston.

President of the JOA Christopher Samuda made the announcement yesterday during a media briefing at the Liguanea Club.

Samuda said his organisation has a responsibility to invest in Jamaica’s sporting talent and broaden the country’s international sporting footprint.

“We feel that, as an apex body, that we are obligated and it is our responsibility to invest in our talent. And it is on that principle, as well as the principle that we want to transition to the Olympic stage, that we are making this investment,” Samuda said.

“Furthermore, it is part and parcel of giving capital to Brand Jamaica. When we are able to host tournaments at this level, it demonstrates that we have the expertise, the talent to do so.”

Samuda noted that the investment goes beyond tennis, aligning with the JOA’s long-term vision of expanding Jamaica’s sporting success across multiple disciplines.

“This, of course, contributes to the value of Brand Jamaica, so the Jamaica Olympic Association will continue to invest in tennis, as well as other sports, with the hope that we can create Olympic champions that will, of course, add to the reservoir of talents that we have already on the international stage, particularly track and field; so that we will not only be known as the world’s sprint capital, but for all-round sporting prowess,” he stated.

Jamaica’s Davis Cup team will be led by number one player Blaise Bicknell, currently ranked 463 in the world, alongside veteran Rowland ‘Randy’ Phillips, Nicholas Gore, and Daniel Azar.

Jamaica’s non-playing captain Dominic Pagon said he is confident that the team’s preparation will translate into a strong showing against higher-ranked opponents.

“I think we have a good chance because the preparations have been excellent so far. The guys have put in a lot of work, a lot of effort, and it is just for them to go out there and execute on game day, and hopefully things will go our way,” Pagon said.

He also underscored the importance of discipline and tactical awareness as Jamaica looks to overcome Uruguay.

“We just have to play smart and make sure that we go out there and find a way to stick to the game plan. Because there are certain things that we have been working on, and in order for them to get that result that we are looking for, they just have to go out here and do what we have been doing in practice,” he explained.

Pagon also highlighted the importance of home support, calling on fans to play their part in what promises to be a demanding contest.

“The home crowd is going to play a massive role in helping us to achieve our goal. Their support will be a huge impact on the players and the end results so I am encouraging all the fans to come out and give us all of that energy that we need to push through to get the final result that we need to win this tie,” he said.

Pagon pointed out that all the matches are going to be tough, but he noted that the Jamaicans are ready to do battle.

“However, it is going to be a difficult match for sure. They are higher ranked than us, for sure, on paper; and they have a number of players that are playing tournaments on tours; and I know that it is going to be difficult, but I know our guys are ready,” he said.