Limerick to host Ireland's mammoth Davis Cup tennis tie with Austria

TOP class international tennis is coming to Limerick early next year, when Ireland face Austria in a glamour Davis Cup World Group I Play-off in the University of Limerick Arena, on February 3 and 4.

Former World No 3 Dominic Thiem, is likely to be in Austria’s country’s line up, while the other players expected to travel, Jurij Rodionov (111) and Dennis Novak (166), will also present a stiff challenge to the home side.

Undeterred however, Irish captain and Limerick man Conor Niland said of the fixture: "The players and I are incredibly excited to have the opportunity to bring Davis Cup tennis back to Ireland, and particularly in the town where I grew up and learned my own tennis.

"Of course the Austrians are very strong, and I can promise everyone who comes that they will be seeing truly world class players up close and in person. But while we’ll face a stiff test, we’ll rise to the challenge, and I know you can never discount home advantage, especially when the Irish Tennis public get behind their players."

The match will be Ireland’s first home tie in the Davis Cup in 9 years, and according to Tennis Ireland CEO Kevin Quinn, its staging in Limerick, presents a real opportunity: "This will be an unmissable weekend on the tennis calendar’ he said.

"The arena in UL is a new venue for indoor professional tennis and its location, size and impressive facilities will allow us attract the largest possible audience. The Davis Cup was played here once before, back in 1989, when we defeated Senegal 4-1 in Limerick.

"We’re hoping that win will inspire this team, and that the exciting event will attract general sports fans as well as all our traditional Tennis fans and the many new ones who recently discovered our wonderful sport."

Director UL Sport, Brian King added: "UL Sport is honoured and thrilled to be the host venue for such a prestigious event as the Davis Cup. The campus at the University of Limerick is an ideal location for this World Group I Play Off match, where we cannot wait to showcase top class international tennis in the sporting city of Limerick."

Tickets for the match will go on sale next week.