Switzerland gave tennis followers within the nation nonetheless mourning the retirement of Roger Federer one thing to rejoice when their girls’s workforce beat Australia in Glasgow on Sunday to win the Billie Jean King Cup for the primary time.
Two months after Federer, one of many biggest gamers within the recreation’s historical past, bid a tearful farewell to tennis in London, his compatriots Belinda Bencic and Jil Teichmann each loved singles victories as Switzerland inflicted extra distress on Australia in a contest previously often known as the Federation Cup.
It was Switzerland’s third look within the ultimate. They misplaced to the now-banned Russia workforce final yr – the primary version of the rebranded Billie Jean King Cup – and have been additionally runners-up when Martina Hingis was the important thing determine of their aspect in 1998.
“What happened last year gave us extra motivation,” stated Bencic, the world No. 12.
“We were so heartbroken, I don’t think I have ever cried so much.”
“Afterwards Jil said we would win it next year and we have. I’m so incredibly proud.”
Switzerland was excellent in Glasgow, not dropping a “live” match regardless of a tricky draw.
For Australia, it marked yet one more disappointment. Since successful in 1974, they’ve now appeared in 10 finals, dropping each one in every of them.
King was among the many crowd in Glasgow on Sunday and got here on the court docket to high-five all of the gamers earlier than the tie began.
Australia’s Storm Sanders, unbeaten in singles all week, defied her lowly world rating of 237 earlier than Teichmann triumphed 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 in a match lasting over two hours.
Bencic, who gained singles gold and doubles silver eventually yr’s Tokyo Olympics, once more impressed in nationwide colours as she overpowered Ajla Tomljanovic 6-2, 6-1 to keep away from a deciding doubles conflict.
“I’m extremely proud of my team,” stated Australia captain Alicia Molik. “It was an exceptional effort all week from the Aussies. We gave it all the pieces.
“But credit to the Swiss team – it was flawless tennis from Belinda.”
