Billie Jean King Cup: 1:1 - All open between Croatia and Germany
In the international match between Croatia and Germany everything is open after the first day.
by SID
last edit: Nov 11, 2022, 07:45 pm
The German tennis players have to tremble at the Billie Jean King Cup for relegation. In the play-off duel with hosts Croatia, leading player Jule Niemeier missed the groundbreaking 2-0 in the second match after debutant Eva Lys had surprisingly put the DTB team ahead with a masterly performance.
On Saturday, captain Rainer Schüttler's selection needs two wins in the final three games (two singles, one doubles) to play in the world group next year.
Niemeier clearly loses
The world rankings-61. In the fiery atmosphere of Rijeka, Niemeier unexpectedly lost to Croatia's substitute Petra Marcinko 3-6, 2-6. The number 194 in the world was used at short notice for the injured Donna Vekic and made life very difficult for Wimbledon quarter-finalists Niemeier.
Previously, Lys, who was born in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, had the world number 39 in the opening match. Petra Martic defeated 6: 1, 6: 4. "I'm not surprised myself because I know how well I can play. But I'm very happy," said Lys, 20.
The number 123 in the world didn't give Martic, who was eleven years older, a chance for long stretches and was already leading 6:1, 5:1. After that she lost the thread a bit, but caught herself again at the decisive moment and converted the match point after 1:13 hours.
On Saturday (from 2 p.m.) Niemeier will face Martic, then Lys will face Marcinko. Anna-Lena Friedsam/Laura Siegemund are scheduled in doubles. Three wins are necessary to stay up.
Shaker builds on Lys
Lys was originally only nominated by captain Rainer Schüttler as the fifth player and was supposed to gain experience. Because Wimbledon semi-finalist Tatjana Maria was injured, Schüttler finally relied on the newcomer. Former world number one Angelique Kerber is missing because of her baby break.
Due to the defeat in Kazakhstan (1:3), the DTB selection missed the final tournament of the twelve best teams (November 8th to 13th) in the team tournament formerly known as the Fed Cup.