AUSTRALIA AND JAPAN SEAL 2024 BILLIE JEAN KING CUP FINALS PLACES; POLAND AND USA AMONG DAY ONE QUALIFIERS LEADERS
Australia and Japan booked their places in November’s Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge Finals in Seville, after sealing respective victories over Mexico and Kazakhstan on day two of their home Qualifier ties.
Nao Hibino’s 6-4 3-6 7-6(7) victory over Yulia Putinseva in Tokyo – in which she saved four match points – gave Japan an unassailable 3-0 lead, and clinched them a Finals berth for the first time ever.
In Brisbane, 18-year-old Taylah Preston claimed a memorable 6-1 6-1 victory over Marcela Zacarias to seal her nation’s place in Seville on her Billie Jean King Cup debut. A doubles victory for Ellen Perez and Daria Saville capped a 4-0 tie victory for the hosts.
Elsewhere in Le Portel, Emma Raducanu staged a fine comeback to beat Caroline Garcia 3-6 6-3 6-2 and level the France v Great Britain tie at 1-1 at the end of day one. Diane Parry overcame Katie Boulter 6-2 6-0 in the first match of the tie.
World No.1 Iga Swiatek’s commanding victory over Simona Waltert put Poland ahead against 2022 world champions Switzerland in Biel, before Magdalena Frech got the better of Celine Naef in three sets to make it 2-0.
Slovakia, USA, Germany and Ukraine lead the remaining four Qualifiers 2-0 – all of which conclude later today.
MEDIA INFORMATION
Visit the Billie Jean King Cup Virtual Media Centre to access live scores, live streaming of all eight Qualifier ties, latest quotes and interview audio, match statistics and other information. Qualifiers tie preview notes are also available via the Virtual Media Centre and at the link below.
