The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

DORAL Park, Miami, Florida — Venezuela would have preferred to host the Bahamas in Venezuela for the first round of the American Zone II Davis Cup tie.

But after the International Tennis Federation advised them that they had to change their home venue, captain Yohny Romero said they couldn’t find a better location than Miami that was perfectly suited for both teams.

“After the ITF didn’t give us permission to play at home, we had to find a neutral location and we thought this was going to be the best neutral ground for the people who are organising it, for us and also for the Bahamian people who are close to here.

“We are expecting a lot of people from Venezuela and also from the Bahamas. But we have a lot of people from Venezuela who are living here, so we expect for a lot of them to be here. We have a lot of people who play tennis and a lot of them know tennis, so we expect a good crowd.”

This is Romero’s first appearance as captain after working with their Fed Cup for women for the past few years. But he said this is special for him because he remembers when he was a member of the team as a player.

“I have a lot of memories playing on the team,” he said.

What he doesn’t do in trying to inspire his players before they come out of the locker room, Romero said they hope the psychologist they brought along will get the job done.

“He’s going to be working with the players individually and as a group, so I’m happy that he’s on board,” Romero said.

In Ricardo Roriquez, ranked No. 779 in singles, Romero said he is very focused. He noted that he’s a good competitor who likes to play a five-set match.

As for Martinez, who is ranked at 1,237 in singles, Romero said he produces a high-powered game.

Against the Bahamas, Romero said he’s quite aware of the fact that the Bahamas holds the edge between the two nations. But he noted that this is a different era so anything is possible.

“Every generation is different. We have a different generation as you do,” he said. “So we are going to compete with different players. History say you guys have played well over the years, but in this type of team competition, anybody can win.”

Martinez, who resides in Miami with Rodriquez, said they are ready for the match. “We are good friends and we feel good for the tie,” he said.

Looking at the make-up of Team Bahamas, Martinez said he’s only familiar with Rolle, but he said the unknown players make it very difficult for Venezuela.

“They won group three, so I think they have a good team,” he said. “So we have to play very good here to win. We are ready for the match.”