Billie Jean King Cup: Kerber leads Porsche Team Germany
Rainer Schüttler has named his team for the Billie Jean King Cup (BJKC) finals from November 1st to 6th in the Czech capital Prague. Angelique Kerber , Andrea Petkovic, Anna-Lena Friedsam, Jule Niemeier and Nastasja Schunk will appear for the Porsche Team Germany at the first edition of the newly created final tournament.
by PM
last edit: Oct 04, 2021, 04:43 pm
“We have nominated the currently best German women players for the Billie Jean King Cup finals and we have put together a good mix of experienced professionals and young talents. I am sure that in this constellation we have a good chance of surviving in a difficult group against the Czech Republic and Switzerland, ”said Billie Jean King Cup captain Rainer Schüttler, who only has to do without the injured Laura Siegemund.
The Porsche Team Germany
With Angelique Kerber and Andrea Petkovic, two absolutely world-class and very experienced Billie Jean King Cup (formerly Fed Cup) players lead the team of the German Tennis Federation (DTB). For Kerber it will be the 16th time that she has served the German national team. The hard-court surface in the O2 Arena in Prague should play into the cards of the three-time Grand Slam winner - the current German number one won a total of six of her ten BJKC games on the fast underground.
With her 18th participation "Petko" is the longest-serving player in the German squad. “It is always something special to be nominated for the national team, it makes no difference whether it is the third or, in my case, the 18th time. In addition, the format will be completely new for all players. ”About her expectations, the 34-year-old says:“ Personally, it always motivates me enormously to play for a team and, above all, for the German fans. I know that I can beat any player and I take the confidence from a successful summer to Prague with me. "
The duo is completed by this year's Olympian Anna-Lena Friedsam and the two debutants Jule Niemeier and Nastasja Schunk from the Porsche Talent Team. It will be an exciting week for the DTB youngsters, for which both will be well prepared. “Jule and Nasti had a fantastic summer and made incredible progress. Jule made the breakthrough on the tour and Nasti was also able to gain first experiences at world-class level. If they play their best tennis, they can annoy the competition, ”said team captain Schüttler.
The link between the two generations will be 27-year-old Anna-Lena Friedsam, who also took part in the qualifying game for the final against Brazil (on February 7th and 8th, 2020). Her first game in the national team so far she won in doubles with Antonia Lottner 6: 1, 6: 4 against Laura Pigossi and Luisa Stefani.
This is how it is played
The Porsche Team Germany will start the competition on November 1st against the hosts from the Czech Republic. One day later, the DTB selection will meet Switzerland. The game is played in round robin format and the top four in the group play in the semi-finals and in the final in knockout mode for the most important team title in women's tennis. Each encounter consists of two singles and one double.