By:
Conor Martin
Ireland Davis Cup captain Conor Niland is hoping the Irish public will turn up in force when Ireland take on China in their Davis Cup World Group 2 clash.
Ireland will be hoped to be backed by yet another sizeable crowd that saw them eventually beaten by Austria as tennis’s most famous team competition returned to Irish soil for the first time since 2015.
Another big crowd is expected in the capital this weekend as Ireland, who were 5-0 play-off winners over Saudi Arabia in February, try to secure a World Cup 1 play-off spot for 2026.
China will be led by world number 74 Bu Yunchaokete, who has a lot of experience playing on the biggest stages. In The hosts will look to Ireland’s number one, Michael Agwi, who has recorded a career-high ranking of No. 407, to help carry Irish hopes at the Sports Ireland Campus for the tie that takes palce on Saturday and Sunday.
Peter Buldorini, Conor Gannon, Ammar Elamin, and David O’Hare are also in Niland’s Ireland team for the tie against China, a match Ireland go into the tie as heavy underdogs with Irish betting sites.
‘The message to all Irish tennis fans is, come and support the team’
It’s great to be back in Dublin,” said Niland, who was the last Irishman to feature at Wimbledon and the US Open, calling upon the public to come and support Ireland this weekend.
The non-playing Irish captain continued expressing his excitement about the upcoming clash with China at the Sports Ireland Campus and said: “We have not played a Davis Cup tie here since 2015, and the venue looks incredible. It’s great to be at the Sports Campus, the home of Irish sport, and I’m really looking forward to the weekend.
“The message to all Irish tennis fans is come and support the team in the Davis Cup this weekend.
Home advantage will be crucial for Ireland in Davis Cup clash
Another who is urging fans to back Ireland this weekend is Tennis Ireland CEO Kevin Quinn, who said: “Playing a Davis Cup match on home soil is a very different experience to anything these players experience when they are playing in a regular tournament,” said Quinn.
“The crowd can really get into it, and while we want everyone to be respectful during the points, we can be loud in between points and games.
“We want everyone to come and wear their green. If you have a bodhran, bring it. We want to make it a party atmosphere.”
This Davis Cup World Group 2 tie between Ireland and China begins Saturday after midday.
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