ITF Press Release, November 13, 2022
Wins for Jil Teichmann and Belinda Bencic saw Switzerland overcome Australia and win their first Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge title in Glasgow on Sunday, making amends for their defeat in the 2021 final in Prague. Teichmann battled her way to a three-set triumph against Storm Sanders before Bencic powered past Ajla Tomljanovic to secure the victory for the Swiss team.
Sweet Swiss redemption 🇨🇭🏆
2021 runners-up @swiss_tennis re-write the history books with their first ever title#BJKCupFinals | @BelindaBencic pic.twitter.com/V0M1m59cPP
— Billie Jean King Cup (@BJKCup) November 13, 2022
The result sees Switzerland become the 12th nation to win the Billie Jean King Cup title, and the first new champion in the competition since Italy in 2006. The Swiss had previously lost both finals they had contested, finishing as runners-up to Spain in 1998 in addition to their defeat to Russian Tennis Federation last year.
“Yes! We were finalists last year and we were so heartbroken,” said Bencic. “I don’t think I’ve ever cried so much. But in the locker she [Teichmann] came to me and said that next year we’re going to take it. And we did! I’m so incredibly proud.”
Swiss captain Heinz Guenthardt added: “It’s hard to describe in words. We didn’t win this just today, it was actually over years. A lot of it has to do with heart and this team has a lot of heart, let me tell you.”
For Australia, who also finished as runners-up in 2019, Sunday’s defeat extends a losing streak in Billie Jean King Cup final ties. Since winning their seventh and most-recent title in 1974, the Australians have lost all 10 finals they have contested.
As finalists this year, Switzerland and Australia have both secured automatic qualification for the 2023 Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge Finals.
2022 Billie Jean King Cup final result
Switzerland defeated Australia 2-0
Jil Teichmann (SUI) d. Storm Sanders (AUS) 6-3 4-6 6-3
Belinda Bencic (SUI) d. Ajla Tomljanovic (AUS) 6-2 6-1
Belinda Bencic/Jil Teichmann (SUI) v Storm Sanders/Samantha Stosur (AUS) – not played
