BRATISLAVA, Slovakia — Hailey Baptiste and Bernarda Pera had straight-set wins Sunday to provide the US a spot within the Billie Jean King Cup Finals with a 2-1 victory over host Slovakia.
Baptiste beat Renata Jamrichova 6-3, 6-4 and Pera overcame Slovakian No. 1 Rebecca Sramkova 7-6 (2), 7-5 within the Group C match.
“Actually, I am so overwhelmed by the feelings, so pleased,” Pera stated. “I had a lot enjoyable with the crew, the women are wonderful, I bought a lot assist from all of them and I am tremendous pleased.”
The U.S., which beat Denmark 3-0 on Saturday, topped Group C.
Ena Shibahara and Shuko Aoyama defeated Canadians Kayla Cross and Rebecca Marino 6-3, 5-7 6-2 within the decisive doubles match in Group A to safe Japan a spot within the finals.
Canada had taken a 1-0 lead when Victoria Mboko defeated Shibahara 6-4, 6-7 (8), 7-5. Japan evened the tie with Moyuka Uchijima beating Marina Stakusic 6-3, 6-3 within the second singles.
“I am actually pleased that I bought the doubles accomplished as we speak,” Shibahara stated.
The BJK Cup Finals might be performed in Shenzhen in September, when Japan might be making its second consecutive finals look and can attempt to match its best-ever efficiency. It reached the semifinals in 1996.
