Bermuda have surged 14 places to 67th in the Davis Cup rankings following their momentous World Group II play-off victory over Georgia at the weekend.

Prior to the 3-2 triumph in Cyprus, which earned them elevation to World Group II, Ricky Mallory’s side were 81st of 160 tennis-playing nations. Georgia have paid a heavy price for losing to a lower-ranked team, sliding down from 58th to 71st.

Philippines, India, Ecuador, Qatar, Northern Mariana Islands, Suriname, St Lucia, Albania and Paraguay were some of the biggest movers in the global standings after a week of intense competition around the world.

Reflecting on the team’s rise in the rankings after the remarkable success over Georgia, Mallory is only just realising what his team has achieved.

“It is only now beginning to sink in, as a team, what we have truly accomplished on the world stage of tennis,” he told The Royal Gazette.

“I’m so proud of how our boys performed. The official Davis Cup Instagram page recently highlighted our match-up as a “David versus Goliath” battle, a post that has already surpassed 130,000 views, shining a global spotlight on Bermuda’s remarkable achievement.

“We have climbed 14 places in the world rankings, moving from 81 to 67, with Bermuda proudly standing as the smallest nation to reach this milestone.

“Heading into the tie against Georgia, we entered unknown territory. It was our first appearance in a World Group play-off and we did not know what to expect.

“A key part of coaching at this level is instilling belief, helping players see what is possible. “That belief is something I consistently demand and nurture within this group. I set high standards because I know exactly what these young men are capable of, even without the resources and infrastructure available to larger nations.”

Players Daniel Phillips, Trey Mallory, Wayne Montgomery and Zachary McGuire will be waiting with bated breath on Thursday to discover their Group II opponents in September.

The draw is being conducted at 7am Bermuda time, with the island nation to be pitted against one of 13 teams who were unsuccessful in the Group I play-offs.

Hong Kong, Tunisia, Portugal, Lebanon, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kazakhstan, Israel, Slovenia, Egypt, Morocco, Mexico, Romania and Ukraine are Bermuda’s potential opponents in September.

“With the draw taking place on Thursday, it is crucial that the entire island rallies behind this team,” Mallory said.

“Preparing for our next tie in September will be a significant financial undertaking for the Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association and the support of our community will be vital as we continue this historic journey.”