Washington University Men's Tennis Assistant Coach Jesus Bandres to Represent Venezuela in Davis Cup

Washington University Men's Tennis Assistant Coach Jesus Bandres to Represent Venezuela in Davis Cup

From Washington University Athletics

Washington University in St. Louis assistant men's tennis coach Jesus Bandres will represent Venezuela in the Davis Cup April 7-9 in Miami. No. 2 seed Venezuela takes on No. 4 seed El Salvador in the semifinals Friday at Doral Park Country Club in Doral, Fla. 

"Its a dream to represent your country," said Bandres in a phone interview from Miami. "Its very exciting as many people are rooting and cheering for you. It's a very unique experience."

Bandres is in his first season as a part-time men's tennis coach at WashU. He was formerly the number one player and team captain on the East Tennessee State University men's tennis team. Bandres was a five-time Atlantic Sun all-conference selection, and earned 2012 Atlantic Sun Tournament MVP honors.

After college, he went on to play on the ATP tour for two years and represented his country, Venezuela, in the 2014 Davis Cup and Central American Games.  

"I will know what to expect this time," Bandres added. "I will have a better idea how to handle the nerves and I will be more experienced." 

The winner of Venezuela and El Salvador takes on Guatemala or Barbados in the Davis Cup Americas Zone Group II final on Sept. 15-17.