MADRID, 9 Nov. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Spanish team was left with no options to reach the semifinals of the 2023 Billie Jean King Cup Finals that are being held at the La Cartuja Stadium in Seville after Canada’s victory this Thursday against Poland.
After losing 3-0 to the North American team, the team captained by Anabel Medina was in the hands of the Poles, but the Canadians, who only needed one set, did not fail, again with a great performance by Marina Stakusic and Leylah Fernandez.
The first, despite her youth (18 years) and her ranking (258), once again demonstrated that in the Billie Jean King Cup they are factors that do not matter. After beating Rebeka Masarova with great authority, this time she was able to turn around a clash that seemed to have been lost against the Polish Magdalena Frech and win 4-6, 7-5, 6-3.
She had the first point for Poland in her hand after winning the first set and being 4-2 up in the second, but the American reacted, came back and forced a third set where she gave no options to bring Canada closer to the semifinals that Leylah certified. Fernandez, who comfortably defeated Magda Linette (6-2, 6-3) in the number one duel.
In addition to the Canadians, Italy also sealed its ticket for the next round, which made good of its victory against France the day before by beating Germany. Martina Trevisan was able to beat Eva Lys (7-6, 6-1), Jasmine Paolini gave no options to Anna-Lena Friedsam (6-3, 6-2) and her double did not fail either and now they will have a day of rest before to fight for the final.
The day also saw the elimination of the defending champions, Switzerland, who lost to the United States, who will play this Friday against Slovenia. Danielle Collins defeated Celine Naef (7-6, 6-1), while Sofia Kenin had more work with Viktorija Golubic (6-3, 6-7, 7-5).
Finally, in the only tie that needed a double to decide victory, the victory went to Australia against a Kazakhstan that did not have Elena Rybakina. Storm Hunter beat Anna Danilina (7-6, 6-4) and Yulia Puntintseva responded to Kimberly Birrel (6-0, 7-5), but the Hunter-Ellen Perez couple beat Putintseva and Danilina (6-1, 4-6, 10-5). However, the victory eliminated the Australians and still keeps the Kazakhs alive, who will play against the Czech Republic.