THE MAN who did nothing but win in 2012 almost lost it all during the year.
Reigning national tennis champion and local No.1 Russell Moseley has revealed that he came close to quitting last season after being overlooked for the Davis Cup squad that played Paraguay and Mexico.
Moseley made the revelation following his recent inclusion in this year’s team that is set to travel to El Salvador for next month’s opening round Group II tie.
“I was really contemplating giving up tennis because I thought it was such a horrible decision [being left out of the team],” said a candid Moseley.
“But I used that anger, and when I realized it was helping me to drive my tennis forward then is when I started to push and show everyone what I am capable of.”
It might’ve been a blessing in disguise for the hard-hitting player, who went on to have a historic season where he failed to lose a single match while winning six consecutive titles including a first ever national championship.
With that incredible form, Moseley just couldn’t be overlooked, as Davis Cup captain Kevin Yarde informed the 27-year-old of his selection earlier last month.
However, the end to Moseley’s three-year Davis Cup hiatus has been rather bitter-sweet, with overseas-based pro Haydn Lewis recently announcing his unavailability for the trip to El Salvador.
“It’s not going to be easy because Haydn has been one of our top players for such a long time and he’s been so successful at Davis Cup,” said Moseley of Lewis’ absence.
“I have been successful at Davis Cup too but the experience he has playing international tennis is so high above the rest of us that it’s such a big asset to the team when he plays.
“And regardless of who steps into his shoes, Haydn’s absence will hurt us tremendously but we can only try to do what we can and give it our all,” he added.
A veteran of 26 ties, Moseley currently holds a 19-15 win-loss record in all Davis Cup matches including a favourable 9-4 singles mark since making his debut against Bermuda in 2004.
“I’m feeling good physically and my timing has been very, very good but it’s hard to say whether or not I’m ready right now,” said Moseley.
“I’m getting better every week, but when the time comes, whatever I have in the tank I will give for my country.”
