With an outstanding 2-1 victory over France on Wednesday, Italy got off to a winning start in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, while their hosts, Spain, lost to Canada. Italy dominated their Group D match in Seville thanks to victories in the singles matches by Martina Trevisan and Jasmine Paolini.
The opening rubber saw Trevisan come back from a poor start to defeat the seasoned Alize Cornet 2-6, 6-2, 6-2. Following a two-hour and forty-nine-minute encounter, the 27-year-old Paolini rallied from a 4-2 deficit in the deciding set to defeat Caroline Garcia 7-6(6) 5-7 6-4.
Although Garcia and Kristina Mladenovic lost to Trevisan and Elisabetta Cocciaretto in a decisive tiebreak, France was able to salvage a point in the doubles match. It has already happened five times that Italy and France have faced off in the premier women's team competition. "Tomorrow is going to be a very difficult day, without a doubt," Italy captain Tathiana Garbin informed the media. "All of the options seem to be open right now."
Tomorrow, Italy plays Germany. Spain was playing Canada, and the home supporters in the Estadio de la Cartuja were hoping for some revenge. Yet, things did not proceed as expected. The 65th-ranked Rebeka Masarova was defeated 6-3, 6-1 by Canada's world number 319, Marina Stakusic. Then, after a near-three-hour battle, former U.S. Open runner-up Leylah Fernandez defeated Sara Sorribes Tormo 7-6(8) 7-6(7).
In addition, as Switzerland takes on the United States on Thursday, the defending champions will be trying to survive in Group A. In their match against Kazakhstan, Australia will also be aiming for their first victory.
Image Source : X
© Copyright 2023. All Rights Reserved Powered by Vygr Media.
