SAO PAULO, April 14, 2024 (Press Release)
Porsche Team Germany’s 3-1 win over Brazil has qualified them once again for the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, the most important team competition in women’s tennis.
The decisive point for Porsche Team Germany in the Geraldo José de Almeida Arena in São Paulo on Saturday was secured by Laura Siegemund. Despite 10,000 spectators fervently cheering on her opponent, Carolina Alves, the Stuttgart resident comfortably won the first set. The 2017 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix winner, who beat the Brazilian No. 1 Beatriz Haddad Maia the day before, then ceded the second. In the third however, she was back at her best when closing out the rubber, 6-1, 2-6, 6-3.
“The win was well-deserved,” said captain Rainer Schüttler. “The arena was a cauldron, but Laura was mentally strong when clinching the tie.”
The Porsche Team Germany won the tie against Brazil to secure a spot in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals! Congratulations, ladies! 🇩🇪🧡 https://t.co/H8jex3m3go
— Porsche Tennis (@PorscheTennis) April 14, 2024
In the first match of the day, Anna-Lena Friedsam took to court against Haddad Maia instead of Tatjana Maria, who had put the team 2-0 up on Friday. The plan seemed to be working as she won the first set 7-5. Ranked No. 13 in the world and therefore 176 places above the German, the home team’s top player then turned things around to eventually win 5-7, 6-0, 6-1. The Brazilian tennis fans drew hope again, but Siegemund wrapped up victory for Porsche Team Germany.
The concluding doubles involving Friedsam and Porsche Brand Ambassador Angelique Kerber was not played.
Playing. for. your. country! 🇩🇪@laurasiegemund ❤️🔥#BJKCup | @DTB_Tennis pic.twitter.com/JIzhW7Uzb1
— Billie Jean King Cup (@BJKCup) April 14, 2024
On Friday, Siegemund beat World No. 13 Haddad Maia, 6-4, 6-2, in the opening rubber to give Porsche Team Germany a 1-0 lead.
“I knew my game could really hurt her,” said Siegemund, after getting off to a winning start. “Tactically I was pretty good and can be very pleased with my performance.”
In the second rubber, Maria lost the first set to Laura Pigossi, but the 2022 Wimbledon semifinalist fought back strongly and converted her first match point after two hours and 29 minutes to win, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4, and double Porsche Team Germany’s lead.
“I wanted to enjoy the atmosphere, but then was out of touch,” said Maria. “After losing the first set, I told myself to keep fighting right to the end. I always believed I could turn the match around.”
🇩🇪 2-0 🇧🇷@Maria_Tatjana puts Germany 2-0 up over Brazil with a 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory against Pigossi in Sao Paulo#BJKCup | @DTB_Tennis pic.twitter.com/PiJzvlici8
— Billie Jean King Cup (@BJKCup) April 13, 2024
The Billie Jean King Cup Finals with the 12 best nations will take place in Seville, Spain from November 12-17.
