RIJEKA/STARNBERG, November 13, 2022
Germany beat Croatia 3-1 in the Billie Jean King Cup Play-Offs and remains in the World Group in 2023. On the second day of play Jule Niemeier and Anna-Lena Friedsam secured the decisive wins.
On Saturday afternoon in Rijeka, Niemeier kicked off the action against Ana Konjuh. Konjuh had moved into the team for Petra Martic, who lost to debutant Eva Lys on the first day of play. Unimpressed by the last-minute change, Niemeier prevailed 6-2, 6-1.
“I had my nerves better under control today and was focused on my game. That was crucial for my good performance,” said the 23-year-old, who won her first singles match in the Billie Jean King Cup.
In the following singles rubber, team captain Rainer Schüttler changed the lineup. Anna-Lena Friedsam stepped up in place of Lys and made her singles debut for the German Tennis Federation. Friedsam ensured an early decision in favor of the German team with a 6-4, 6-1 victory over Petra Marcinko in one hour and 20 minutes.
🕰 Spielerinnen der Stunde! 🕰
Mit zwei Siegen von Jule Niemeier und Anna-Lena Friedsam am zweiten Matchday hält das deutsche Billie Jean King Cup-Team die Weltgruppe. #DTBTennis #BJKCup
📸 Maurer/Zimmer pic.twitter.com/7Crpm5Zmw1
— Deutscher Tennis Bund (@DTB_Tennis) November 12, 2022
“I was very happy that the coaches picked me to play. That I played so well in my first Billie Jean King Cup singles match makes me incredibly proud,” said Friedsam.
The victory secures Germany a place at the Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers. The qualifying round will take place on April 14 and 15, 2023.
