Kamaruzzaman Played in Davis Cup Group III

Recognition for his tennis skill is nothing new for Middle Georgia State University (MGA) junior Naufal Kamaruzzaman. Between ages 10 and 16, he was ranked as the No. 1 junior tennis player four times in his home country of Malaysia. Since then, he’s racked up an impressive win-loss record of 9-4 (singles) and 10-3 (doubles) as a collegiate player and has been selected by the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) as an SSAC All-Conference player and SSAC Scholar Athlete.

In September, Kamaruzzaman continued to put up impressive performances on the court, this time representing Malaysia in the 2021 Davis Cup Group III. After a 20-hour flight to Amman, Jordan, he faced off against Kuwait in his second Davis Cup appearance, winning in an upset and bringing his lifetime Davis Cup record to 2-0. 

“It was a grueling two-hour match under the hot sun,” says Kamaruzzaman, whose 7-6(5), 6-4 win against Kuwait’s Essa Qabazard clinched the Malaysian team’s spot in the playoffs.

While the team’s subsequent defeat by Vietnam ended their Davis Cup run for the year, Kamaruzzaman remains positive about his experience. “It was an honor to play for my country and bring the name of Middle Georgia State University to the Davis Cup. I am very grateful that I could perform well in Jordan and contribute a point for my country.”

Back on the Macon, Ga., campus, Kamaruzzaman is looking forward to next season with his teammates. Coming off of last year’s SSAC Conference Championship victory, the Kamaruzzaman and the MGA Knights anticipate another winning year.