Slovakia upends Great Britain, advances to Billie Jean King Cup final

Field Level Media|published: Tue 19th November, 18:07 2024

Jun 30, 2022; London, United Kingdom; A detail view of a ball on the racket of Rafael Nadal (ESP) during his match against Ricardas Berankis (LTU) on day four at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images

Slovakia advanced to face Italy in the Billie Jean King Cup finals by rallying to defeat Great Britain 2-1 on Tuesday in Malaga, Spain.

Emma Raducanu of Great Britain swept Viktoria Hruncakova 6-4 6-4, and Rebecca Sramkova lost her first set to Katie Boulter, putting Slovakia's backs against the wall.

Sramkova then charged back for a 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory, prevailing despite a 23-15 disadvantage in total winners. Sramkova saved 5 of 11 break points, broke Boulter's serve on 6 of 10 opportunities and had a 9-4 edge in aces.

Hruncakova returned to the court with Tereza Mihalikova for the winner-take-all doubles match against Heather Watson and Olivia Nicholls. In a clean hour and 15 minutes, the Slovakian team won 6-2, 6-2, saving all four break points while picking off half their return games.

Slovakia reached its first Billie Jean King Cup final since 2002, the year it won its only title in the event. Italy defeated Poland in the other semifinal on Monday and is seeking its fifth championship.

--Field Level Media