Leylah Fernandez celebrates along with her Canadian teammates. (Credit: AFP)
Canada, who have been competing within the semi-finals for the primary time in 35 years, knocked out the fancied Czechs, who’ve gained the competitors 11 instances — behind solely report 18-time winners the United States.
Canada reached the Billie Jean King Cup last for the primary time of their historical past with an exciting 2-1 win over the Czech Republic on Saturday, organising a championship match towards Italy.
Four-time champions Italy beat Slovenia 2-0 earlier on in Seville within the first semi-last, profitable each singles rubbers.
Canada, who have been competing within the semi-finals for the primary time in 35 years, knocked out the fancied Czechs, who’ve gained the competitors 11 instances — behind solely report 18-time winners the United States.
Canada’s Leylah Fernandez beat Marketa Vondrousova 6-2, 2-6, 6-3 to degree the tie at 1-1 after Barbora Krejcikova defeated Marina Stakusic 6-2, 6-1.
Then Fernandez and Gabriela Dabrowski defeated Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova 7-5, 7-6 (7/3) within the deciding doubles.
“It’s been a great day for us, for Team Canada,” mentioned Fernandez.
“Gaby was always there to attack and take it to them… I’m just happy I have a great partner out there (Dabrowski) who can show me how to do it.”
Rookie Stakusic, 18, who recorded profession-spotlight wins over Spain’s Rebeka Masarova and Poland’s Magdalena Frech within the group, was swept apart in straight units by world quantity 10 Krejcikova within the opening singles rubber.
However world quantity 35 Fernandez, who has loved a superb week on the match, triumphed over 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova to take the tie to the deciding doubles.
READ: Italy Beat Slovenia to Clinch Billie Jean King Cup Final Spot
World quantity seven Vondrousova transformed solely 4 out of 13 break factors within the conflict which Fernandez took in three units.
The Canadian returned to play within the gripping doubles encounter which adopted, and with Dabrowski took a decent first set.
The second was even nearer they usually clinched with a tie-break victory.
(This story has not been edited by News18 workers and is printed from a syndicated information company feed – AFP)
