Billie Jean King Cup: Jule Niemeier puts Germany in the lead
After the success of Jule Niemeier against Beatriz Haddad Maia at the Billie Jean King Cup, the German tennis women are about to qualify for the final round.
by SID
last edit: Apr 15, 2023, 05:37 pm
Wimbledon quarter-finalist Jule Niemeier won the third singles in Stuttgart after an almost three-hour marathon match 7: 6 (7: 3), 3: 6, 6: 2 against the world number 14. Beatriz Haddad Maia and gave Germany a 2-1 lead in a duel with Brazil.
In the fourth individual, Anna-Lena Friedsam meets Laura Pigossi. Three match successes are required to win.
"We took the momentum from yesterday with us and I'm happy that I was able to help the team," said a visibly relaxed Niemeier: "I was very nervous and I'm extremely proud that I came back like this."
Niemeier replaces Maria
Niemeier, who had been surprisingly nominated for Tatjana Maria, who had won the day before, did not get into the game well at first and quickly gave up her serve. But then the 23-year-old, who was in poor form recently, improved considerably and secured the hard-fought set win in the tie break to the cheers of the German fans.
After she had to give up the second round, the Dortmund player showed her best side in the deciding set. She boldly returned and took the serve from Haddad Maia three times.
Team boss Rainer Schüttler's team is fighting in Stuttgart for qualification for the final tournament with the twelve best national teams in November.