New Zealand Davis Cup Team Announced For Clash Against Bosnia & Herzegovina In Whangārei

New Zealand has named a five-strong team for its Davis Cup World Group I Play-Off tie against Bosnia & Herzegovina, to be played at McKay Stadium in Kensington, Whangārei, on 7-8 February 2026.

The team consists of James Watt, Ajeet Rai, Anton Shepp, Finn Reynolds and Isaac Becroft.

The tie marks New Zealand’s first Davis Cup fixture in Whangārei and follows the team’s promotion to the World Group I Play-Offs after a victory over Georgia in Palmerston North last September.

Ajeet Rai brings valuable experience to the squad, earning another Davis Cup selection after being a consistent presence in recent campaigns. Doubles specialist Finn Reynolds also returns, having made his way into the world’s top 100 with a highly successful year on the Challenger Tour. His tour doubles partner James Watt also earns a callback after a fantastic Davis Cup debut, securing both singles wins against Georgia. Watt most recently featured at the ASB Classic, where he acquitted himself well in singles and in doubles alongside Reynolds.

Isaac Becroft will feature once again having been a part of the successful Georgia tie, while Anton Shepp earns his first-ever Davis Cup call-up, another significant milestone in the young Waikato player’s career, having just one his first professional singles title at the Bayleys Open in Hamilton last month.

“It’s a dream come true. Getting selected for the Davis Cup team has always been on the bucket list, I’ve seen the impact that debutants can have on the team with James last year, and am excited to contribute. I love playing in lively atmospheres and know the Whangārei crowd are going to get behind us,” Anton said.

The two-day tie will follow the traditional Davis Cup format, with two singles matches on day one, followed by the doubles match and reverse singles on day two.

The Davis Cup, known as the World Cup of Tennis, is one of international sport’s longest-running competitions, featuring the best men’s teams from more than 150 nations.

Tickets for the event are close to sold out, with remaining seats available to purchase at www.tennis.kiwi/buy

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