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Belinda Bencic US Open Billie Jean King Cup 2021
Tennis News, Tennis Tournaments, WTA Tennis Players

Switzerland sweep Germany to end their Billie Jean King Cup dream


Germany became the second team officially eliminated from the 2021 Billie Jean King Cup Finals after Switzerland dominated their tie.

Germany last won the event nearly 30 years ago in 1992. Now, they will have to wait at least another year to add to their tally of two Billie Jean King Cup titles.

The first rubber of their tie with Switzerland saw tour veteran Andrea Petkovic face Swiss world number 45 Viktorija Golubic. A double break in the opener ensured a cushion for Golubic.

Petkovic claimed a break back, but the Swiss held on to clinch the first 6-4. A single break in the second was all that she then needed to seal the match and put Switzerland 1-0 up in the tie.

World number nine and three-time Slam champion Angelique Kerber then faced Olympic gold medallist Belinda Bencic in the heavyweight match of the tie.

Kerber claimed the first set with a single break late on, 7-5, to put her in position to claim the match. But Bencic roared back immediately to secure the second set with a double break, 6-2.

The deciding set was more of the same from Bencic as she finished it 5-7, 6-2, 6-2. With Germany now already eliminated from the Billie Jean King Cup, the final rubber held more weight for Switzerland in their pursuit for as many points as possible.

Jil Teichmann and Golubic ousted Anna-Lena Friedsam and Nastasja Schunk to complete the 3-0 shutout of Germany. Switzerland will face 11-time champions Czech Republic next to decide who will top the group and progress to the semi-finals.

In contrast to the Czech Republic, Switzerland have never won the event in its nearly 60-year history. Their best result came in 1998, finishing as runners-up to Spain.


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