Issue link: http://itf.uberflip.com/i/366594
12 ITFWORLD SUMMER 2014 also at winter time. Former professional players come and play in this league all year round." The most well-known opponent Alvarez has come up against was dreadlocked German Dustin Brown, who formerly represented Jamaica, in 2003. Brown, then aged 18, triumphed 62 60. Another loss also sticks in Alvarez's mind: a doubles defeat in the quarterfinals in Americas Group II last year with former doubles world No. 23 Santiago Gonzalez on the other side of the court. "That was one of the toughest matches but it is the one I enjoyed the most," he said. "We lost in five sets but that was a great show we put on." Alvarez can now look ahead to playing individual ties in Group II next year, something San Marino has never had the chance to experience. The small European republic will compete in Europe Group III again in 2015 after finishing tied ninth at this year's event in Szeged, Hungary on 7-10 May, with the hosts and Turkey claiming the two promotion places for which there were 12 nations competing. But while San Marino have achieved little in Davis Cup, they do boast a record- breaker in 42-year-old Domenico Vicini, who has played more ties than anyone else in the history of the competition. Vicini has competed in a staggering 92 ties and the veteran won two of his four rubbers in Group III this year. For Vicini, his tennis career has been all about Davis Cup. He never gave the PhILIPPE ChATRIER AWARD DAVIS CUP BY BNP PARIBAS professional tour a proper go, although he did achieve a doubles ranking of No. 652 in 2009. He keeps his eye in on the court as part of his day job at home in the north west of Italy. "I have a campsite in Liguria, where I live with my family," said Vicini. "Inside the campsite we have a tennis court and in summertime I often work as a teacher with the tourists." Vicini may not be too recognisable in the tennis world but no one can argue he did not deserve to stand on court in Prague during the 2012 Davis Cup Final alongside some of the greats of the game, including Nicola Pietrangeli and Manolo Santana, to receive his Davis Cup Commitment Award. "I'm extremely proud," said Vicini. I must admit that it's very strange to see my name beside those fantastic champions. But it's like that, and I'm very glad to be in the record books." It is feasible that Vicini could break the century mark in ties played if he plays for two to three more years. However, he senses that the end may be near. "As long as I can help my nation I will be honoured to play and give my contribution," said Vicini. "Behind me, there are good young players growing, so I guess that my Davis Cup career is about to get to the finish line." Hot on Vicini's heels is Omar Al Awadhy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), who is second behind the Sammarinese on the list of most ties played, having competed in 72 since he made his debut as a 14-year-old in 1996. Given that he is ten years younger at the age of 32 and just 20 ties behind, it is understandable that he has set his sights on becoming the record holder himself. "I'm still planning on playing for a few more years," said Al Awadhy. "It's tough to say how much longer but I do feel like I am getting closer to that record. Knowing my personality, I'll fight hard to break that record." Al Awadhy already dominates his own country's record books, although for all his experience — as well as that of teammate Mahmoud Nader Al Blooshi, the 34-year-old who made his debut in 1997 — this time he could not prevent the UAE being relegated along with Singapore in June at the Asia/ Oceania Group III event in Tehran, with hosts Iran and Lebanon claiming promotion. "Obviously it was disappointing to get relegated but at the same time I feel like our preparation wasn't great so at the end of the day you always get what you deserve," admitted Al Awadhy, the world No. 1860 who still occasionally plays tour events as well as coaching in Dubai. "What's important is to work hard to try to do well next season hopefully." The UAE will next year compete in Group IV, which will also feature Oman after they finished rock bottom of that group this year, clearly missing the contribution of absent brothers Khalid and Mohammed Al Nabhani, the fourth-most successful Davis Cup doubles pair of all-time with 26 victories, five more than Bob and Mike Bryan. Costa Rica providing support from the sidelines Bahamas' doubles duo Jamaal Adderley and Marvin Rolle, beaten in the promotional play-off in Americas Group III