Billie Jean King Cup: Things are getting serious in the world group this weekend
Seven games will be played next weekend in the world group of the Billie Jean King Cup. Germany is there, favorites are rather difficult to identify.
by tennisnet.com
last edit: Apr 11, 2022, 11:27 am
Not so long ago, when it came to triumphing in the Billie Jean King Cup, you could safely bet your money on the Czech Republic: Petra Kvitova , Karolina Pliskova and Co., that was a bank. Between 2011 and 2018, the Czechs won the pot six times, and the German team with frontwoman Angelique Kerber also had a hard time with them.
The situation will be different in 2022: Russia would have been the defending champion, but Pavlyuchenkova and Co. will have to wait until further notice due to the war of aggression against Ukraine. The situation around Belarus is apparently not yet fully resolved, the Billie Jean King Cup website is still leading the team with a duel that is said to be taking place in Turkey. Appointment open.
Swiatek at the start for Poland
And so on Friday and Saturday, seven nations will first be determined, which will then determine the new champions in a final tournament in autumn. The cast of some teams is quite good - for example that of the Americans, who send two players against Ukraine with Danielle Collins and Jessica Pegula into the race, who succeeded at the Australian Open at the beginning of the year.
Germany under team boss Rainer Schüttler has to go to Kazakhstan, where Angelique Kerber will face Elena Rybakina in the top individual. On sand, which surprised the German team but was very happy to note. Jule Niemeier will play as the second individual player for Germany.
On the other hand, the Czechs shouldn't be underestimated this year either. With Marketa Vondrousova and Katerina Siniakova, they are sending two competent specialists into the match with the Britons, where US Open champion Emma Raducanu is announced in first place.
The Spaniards around Paula Badosa are going to the Netherlands as favorites. And the world number one will also be in action: Iga Swiatek will serve against Romania at home in Radom.