MALAGA/STARNBERG, November 15, 2024
Both ties went to deciding doubles matches at the Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge Finals on Thursday, with Japan recovering from losing the opening clash of their tie against Romania to record a 2-1 victory, before Slovakia earned a famous triumph over USA, also coming from behind to win 2-1.
Japan are through to the quarter-finals!
An incredible match by Japanese duo, Shuko Aoyama and Eri Hozumi ✨#BJKCup | @JTA_PR_Team pic.twitter.com/TErtDUvCwQ
— Billie Jean King Cup (@BJKCup) November 14, 2024
“This is great. To get here is already… was one of my goals to be in the Finals, playing Malaga, but today all the players, all the staff putting a great effort, not only being here, just every day working,” said Japanese captain Captain Ai Sugiyama. “I keep in touch with all the players and staffs, and they tried everything they could to get here. Today’s different when we play individually and with the team.”
Four more nations will take to court in the Finals first round on Friday, with Spain up against Poland and Germany to take on Great Britain.
RESULTS – 14 NOVEMBER
Japan defeated Romania 2-1
Ana Bogdan (ROU) d. Nao Hibino (JPN) 6-2 6-4
Ena Shibahara (JPN) d. Jaqueline Cristian (ROU) 6-4 7-6(2)
Shuko Aoyama/Eri Hozumi (JPN) d. Monica Niculescu/Elena-Gabriela Ruse (ROU) 6-1 7-5
Japan advance to a quarterfinal tie against Italy on Saturday.
Slovakia defeated USA 2-1
Taylor Townsend (USA) d. Renata Jamrichova (SVK) 7-5 6-4
Rebecca Sramkova (SVK) d. Danielle Collins (USA) 6-2 7-5
Viktoria Hruncakova/Tereza Mihalikova (SVK) d. Peyton Stearns/Taylor Townsend (USA) 6-3 3-6 [10-8]
Slovakia advance to a quarterfinal tie against Australia on Sunday.
