It was a historic day for Slovenia when they secured their first victory in the Billie Jean Cup after they defeated Australia on the opening day of the Finals at the Estadio de la Cartuja in Seville, Spain, on Tuesday, 7 November, 2023.
Tamara Zidansek defeated Aussie Daria Saville to give her team a 2-0 lead, but Australia narrowed the gap to 2-1. Despite this, Zidansek secured the win for Slovenia on the opening day of the Finals.
Zidansek sealed a decisive 6-1, 6-4 victory, dominating her opponent throughout the match. In the opening match of the day, Kaja Juvan defeated Ajla Tomljanovic 6-4, 6-1, securing a victory in the in their tie.
Juvan and Zidansek, who had reached the semi-finals at Roland Garros in 2021, continued their impressive form in the Billie Jean Cup. Zidansek is currently enjoying some good form having won her last eight matches across all competition.
Not to be outdone, Juvan has also proven to be a Billie Jean Cup specialist, winning 10 of her last 11 matches in the tournament. Overall, she has amassed 12 wins out of 18 matches during her national team career, which began in 2017
It was Australia who came out on top in the doubles as Kimberly Birrell and Storm Hunter joining forces to defeat Veronika Erjavec and debutant Ela Milic in what could yet prove an invaluable match-win.
Slovenia are the early leaders in Group B and do not play again until Friday when they take on Kazakhstan. Australia, meanwhile, face the Kazakhs on Thursday.
Czech Republic v Switzerland
The Czech Republic secured victory over Switzerland thanks to the combined efforts of Linda Noskova and Marie Bouzkova in the second match of the day.
Teenager Noskova edged past Celina Naef 7-6, 6-4, while debutant Bouzkova overcame Viktorija Galibic 6-4, 6-4.
In the doubles match-up Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina got the better of Golubic and Jil Teichmann 7-6; 6-2.
“This is something I will remember forever,” Noskova told billiejeankingcup.com. “I’m just so happy that I had the chance to play my first match and win it. It was a long and tough match, but I overcame the score [she trailed 4-1] in the third set and finished the match my way, which is the most important thing.
“I was told I was playing yesterday evening, and I was very happy and excited. My game was not at the top of where it could be, but I won. The fact that I had the chance to play here and get along with my team so well is really cool. It’s an unforgettable moment for me.”
Wednesday’s action sees hosts Spain take on Canada, while France take on Italy.
Photo Caption: It was a historic day for Slovenia when they secured their first victory in the Billie Jean Cup after they defeated Australia on the opening day of the Finals at the Estadio de la Cartuja in Seville, Spain, on Tuesday, 7 November, 2023. Photo: BJKCup on X
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