2 days Ago By Field Level Media
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. This article first appeared on Field Level Media and was syndicated with permission.
.
