Top national tennis player Brett Baudinet is in Amman, Jordan, participating in his 20th Davis Cup for the Pacific Oceania team.

The Oceania leg of the competition will conclude this weekend.

There are 10 countries competing in this year’s Group 3, including Thailand, Indonesia, Syria, Jordan, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Pacific Oceania.

Apart from Baudinet, the other members of the team include Heve Kelley and Gillian Osmont from Tahiti, Benjamin Junior from the Solomon Islands, and captain Aymeric Mara from Vanuatu.

“This is my 20^th year playing Davis Cup for the Pacific Oceania Team. It’s a significant milestone for me, and I’m extremely proud to have been part of this journey for so long, contributing to the Cook Islands and the Pacific on the world stage,” Baudinet said.

The 42-year-old will also be reaching 70 Davis Cup ties this year, which Baudinet says is a huge achievement in his career.

“Davis Cup is the highlight of my tennis career every year. Although I have to be nominated to be in the selection pool annually, each selection feels like a significant achievement. It’s a real joy and an honour to be part of the team,” he said.

“There are distinctions between years played and the number of ties played. For example, in Jordan this year, I will play five ties against different countries over six days.”

Despite two decades of competing in the gruelling Davis Cup, Baudinet says he feels remarkably fit and excited about the prospect of many more years in the tournament.

“As long as I stay fit and perform well, I will continue to aim to be part of the Pacific Oceania team and represent the Cook Islands on the world stage,” he said.

Baudinet is also hoping that Cook Islands juniors can aspire to reach the Davis Cup and Fed Cup (women’s) teams as it provides a great platform for their personal and professional growth.

“It’s an amazing experience, and I look forward to continuing to support our young players in achieving their dreams through tennis and life.

“I’d like to add that being part of the Davis Cup team has been an incredible journey. The support from the Cook Islands and the wider Pacific community has been fantastic, and I’m committed to giving back by mentoring the next generation of players.”

The Pacific Oceania team went down to Thailand, Jordan and Syria in round one including doubles and singles matches. Baudinet featured in three doubles matches as of last night.