With a victory against the reigning champion Switzerland on Thursday, the United States kicked off their campaign in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals and set up a vital match against the Czech Republic for a semifinal position.
The Americans’ triumph came via singles wins by Danielle Collins and Sofia Kenin, which drew them with the Czech Republic at the top of Group A. On Friday, the US will play the Czechs.
To advance to the semifinals, only the champions of each of the four groups qualify. Switzerland was defeated by the Czech Republic on Tuesday.
The top two players for the United States, No. 3 Coco Gauff and No. 5 Jessica Pegula, are absent. The WTA Finals were held just before the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, and it is what they chose to participate in.
Collins won her sixth straight Billie Jean King Cup match, taking out teenage Celine Naef 7-6 (4), 6-1. Kenin then completed the title for the Americans with a 6-3, 6-7 (1), 7-5 victory against Viktorija Golubic. After 2020, Kenin is participating in her maiden Billie Jean King Cup tie.
“I felt like I’m getting more attention now, and I was very feisty and eager to get back up the rankings,” Kenin said. “I firmly believe I am deserving of it.”
In the Billie Jean King Cup, the United States has won all ten of its matches against Switzerland and is still undefeated against the country.
With eighteen championships, the United States is the most successful country in Billie Jean King Cup history. For the second time in three years, it is attempting to get to the semifinals.
Following this year’s Billie Jean King Cup Finals, Kathy Rinaldi, the captain of the United States team, will relinquish her position.
Collins said, “I know that whenever things get tough, I can look over at Kathy and there’s a calming presence about her.” “She’s a huge inspiration to me, both on and off the court.”
Earlier in Group D, Italy overcame Germany 3-0 to reach their first Billie Jean King Cup quarterfinal in nine years.
Jasmine Paolini defeated Anna-Lena Friedsam 6-3, 6-2, after Martina Trevisan defeated Eva Lys 7-6 (6), 6-1.
Elisabetta Cocciaretto and Lucia Bronzetti beat Laura Siegemund and Friedsam 6-4, 6-7 (4), 11-9 in the doubles match.
After overcoming the host nation, Spain, Canada proceeded to the next round of Group C by defeating Poland for the second time in a row. Leylah Fernandez defeated Magda Linette 6-2, 6-3, while Marina Stakusic defeated Magdalena Frech 4-6, 7-5, 6-3.
In Alicia Molik’s last Billie Jean King Cup match after ten years as Australia’s captain, Australia beat Kazakhstan 2-1.
Australia’s Storm Hunter defeated Anna Danilina 7-6 (2), 6-4 to take the lead. Kazakhstan evened the tie with Yulia Putintseva defeating Kimberly Birrell 6-0, 7-5, then Hunter and Ellen Perez handed the Aussies the victory by beating Danilina and Putintseva 6-1, 4-6, 10-5.
