Bermuda Davis Cup captain Ricky Mallory is preparing for a tough tie after his team was drawn to play against Georgia in the 2026 Davis Cup World Group II play-offs.

The draw, conducted at the International Tennis Federation offices in London on Tuesday, pitted the island’s tennis stars against the seventh-seeds Georgia, with the match scheduled to take place in February.

This stage represents the highest level Bermuda has ever competed at in the Davis Cup and Mallory is thrilled that his team will get to test their abilities against Georgia

“This play-off berth against European Davis Cup team Georgia marks an historic milestone for Bermuda tennis, as the team moves beyond its regional competition into the global stage of the Davis Cup,” Mallory told The Royal Gazette.

“Our players have worked tirelessly to reach this level and I know they will compete with determination and pride. It’s a remarkable opportunity for Bermuda tennis and a chance for our players to showcase their talent on the international stage.”

Michael Wolfe, the Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association president, described facing Georgia as a golden opportunity.

“The Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association is just as excited as the players about this event,” Wolfe said.

“Facing Georgia in the Davis Cup is a thrilling opportunity for our team, but it also presents a significant challenge.

“Our players will be exposed to a new level of competition and intensity against a recognised tennis nation.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for Bermuda tennis. It not only puts our team on the map but also sets a new benchmark for what our local players can achieve with the right training and support.

“The players have worked hard for this opportunity, and I'm confident they'll make the most of this experience.”

Mallory’s side made it through to this stage after finishing third behind Bolivia and Puerto Rico in Americas group three in San Jose, Costa Rica, to secure their chance of Davis Cup promotion.

Daniel Phillips, one of the players instrumental in the team’s success, is thrilled by the prospects of embarking on his maiden trip to Georgia. In June, the Bermudian defeated Georgian Aleksandre Shvangiradze, who is yet to represent his country in Davis Cup, at the M15 Kayseri in Turkey.

“I was excited to see that we get to play Georgia and travel to that country as I’ve never been there before,” the 20-year-old said.

Bermuda is one of 26 teams to play in the World Group II play-offs, with Georgia forced to participate after losing 3-1 away to New Zealand when the group two matches ended on September 14.

Since making a debut appearance in 1995, Bermuda has competed mostly in Americas groups three and four, but success for the island against Georgia guarantees a spot in World Group II, with ties set to take place in September 2026. In the event of the fixture not going Bermuda’s way, it will mean a return to Americas group three later next year.

Saba Purtseladze, with an ATP singles ranking of 276, is Georgia’s highest-ranked Davis Cup player, with Aleksandre Bakshi and Zura Tkemaladze also ranked in the top 1,000 in the world.

Mallory, who is also the BLTA national tennis director, is keen to see the island’s main players participating in competitive fixtures before the trip to Georgia.

“Since their success in Regional Group III, Bermuda’s team members have continued preparing at the professional level, with Daniel and Trey actively competing on the ITF World Tour,” Mallory said.

“The BLTA hopes to ensure that all three of Bermuda’s current Davis Cup players can continue gaining international experience leading up to February’s play-off.

“However, the financial demands of sustained professional play remain significant. The BLTA’s fundraising committee is desperately seeking sponsorship or some sort of financial backing to help ensure the team receives the best preparation.

“We need all the support as Bermuda pursues this monumental milestone — breaking into the World Group II Davis Cup. The committee can be reached on sponsorship@blta.bm.”