SA Davis Cup Hopes Crushed 4-1 Despite Gritty Doubles Win

By Byron Lukas

South Africa’s Davis Cup journey has hit a stumbling block, with the national team bowing out 4-1 to Morocco in their World Group II clash at Groenkloof Tennis Club in Pretoria.

The result means the squad will need to regroup for next year’s playoffs, but not without pride in a spirited doubles triumph that briefly gave fans hope.

A Tough Start

The tie began on the back foot for the hosts. Both opening singles went Morocco’s way, putting South Africa in immediate danger of a clean sweep.

With their backs against the wall, the doubles pairing of Alec Beckley and debutant Thando Longwe-Smit stepped up to keep the contest alive.

Fighting Spirit in Doubles

In what became the highlight of the weekend for the home crowd, Beckley and Longwe-Smit pulled off a gutsy 7-6, 3-6, 7-6 win over Yassine Dlimi and Younes Lalami.

The victory was especially impressive given Beckley’s condition — battling illness, cramping, and torn ligaments in his left hand after back-to-back matches.

“That doubles win was absolutely amazing,” said SA captain Pietie Norval. “Alec was almost on his way to hospital, but he still managed to dig deep and fight through. That showed unbelievable grit.”

Youth Thrown Into the Fire

The comeback, however, was short-lived. With Beckley unable to take the court for the reverse singles, 17-year-old debutant Connor Doig stepped in against Morocco’s top-ranked player, Taha Baadi. Doig put up a brave effort but eventually fell 6-3, 6-2, handing Morocco the unassailable lead.

In the final dead rubber, Karim Bennani outclassed Leo Matthysen 6-1, 6-2, sealing the 4-1 result for the visitors.

Courage in Defeat

Despite the loss, the weekend was full of small but significant takeaways for the young South African side. Beckley, reflecting on his rollercoaster experience, admitted he had pushed his body to the limit.

“I feel rough,” Beckley said. “After Friday’s singles I was finished, but I pulled myself together for the doubles. My tank was empty, and now I need to check things out with the doctors. But winning that match meant everything.”

For Longwe-Smit, his debut win in doubles alongside a close friend was a personal milestone.
“It’s a bit strange to win but still lose the tie,” he said. “But to come back from 2-0 down and win with Alec — that was special, something I’ll never forget.”

Looking Ahead

While Morocco marches on, South Africa will turn their attention to rebuilding for the World Group II playoffs in 2026. With a core of young players gaining valuable experience, the weekend may yet be remembered less for the result and more for the resilience it revealed.

As captain Norval summed up: “We were underdogs from the start, but the team showed heart. That’s something to build on.”