After seven years, the Bahamas has finally made it back to the Americas Zone 2 of Davis Cup play.
The promotion came following the Bahamas’ defeat of Jamaica in the promotional round of America’s Group III in La Paz, Bolivia.
The Bahamas went through group play undefeated (4-0) to advance to Jamaica, the runners up in group B in the promotion match.
The first match saw Spencer Newman defeat Jamaican Damion Johnson 3-6, 6-1, 7-5 in a two hour and three minute match up. After losing the first set 6-3, Newman was able to steam roll through the second set in 29 minutes breaking Johnson’s serve four times and winning the set 6-1.
The third set was a marathon of ups and downs for Newman. He gave up 11 double faults, lost three service breaks, gave up a 3-1 lead and fell behind 5 – 4.
Spencer Newman was able to then string off three straight games to give the Bahamas a 1-0 lead in the tie.
With the Bahamas having a 1-0 lead all the pressure was on Jamaica, and Baker Newman looked like he was going to make quick work of his opponent Rowland Phillips winning the first set in 29 minutes, 6 – 1.
The second set was a close match up but Newsman’s weak service game – seven double faults and serve percentage of 54 – lead Philips to convert on two break points, giving Jamaica the second set 4-6.
Once again the Bahamas needed the heroic efforts of a third set to not only take the match, but to take the tie so advance to Zone II.
In a one hour set, the set went back and fourth with the players breaking each others service games. Newman got up 6-5 where was able to hold his serve game and win the match 6-1,-4-6,7-5.
Team Captain Marvin Rolle has been though the many ups and downs of Davis Cup play, first making his appearance against Chile in a Group 1 match up.
“Bahamas did it, we came out with the team victory. Spencer played the first match he lost the first set, he came out a little nervous. but he played well in the second yet. In the third set he was down 5 -4 with Jamaica serving for the match, but he was able to hang in there and come out with the win. Baker came out second he played a great first set, in the second set he was up 4-2 he got a little nervous and Jamaica came back to win the second set 6-4. In the third set he was down swell, but the guys fought and they wanted the victory, and Baker won the third set 7-5,” Rolle said, “We’re happy to move up to Zone II and looking forward to Davis Cup making its return to the Bahamas once again. “