Brazil 1-3 Germany: Siegemund sinks Brazil after another epic in Sao Paulo
13/04/2024 22:05
Germany's Laura Siegemund survived yet another epic encounter at the Ginasio Ibirapuera to defeat Carolina Alves 6-1 2-6 6-3 and secure her country's place in November's Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge Finals
By Ed Pearson
In front of a fantastic home crowd, the hosts came close to forcing a decisive fifth match, but ultimately Siegemund's experience prevailed against a lower-ranked opponent.
The two players had never previously met and after a one-sided opening set, the capacity crowd could have been forgiven for thinking their evening's entertainment might be cut short.
Alves, who was drafted in to play at the last minute to replace Laura Pigossi, had other ideas. The world No. 345 began to find her rhythm, mixing up her sliced backhand with some powerful groundstrokes on the forehand wing.
That, coupled with the ever-increasing volume from the partisan home crowd, meant a gruelling second set, which even though was only eight games long, lasted over an hour.
In the third set, Alves showed signs of making it close, but Siegemund got her nose in front early on and the damage was done.
Haddad Maia looked like she had put the disappointment of yesterday's performance behind her in the first of the reverse singles as she made the better start against her German opponent.
The world No. 13 battled back from a set down to defeat Anna-Lena Friedsam 5-7 6-0 6-1 but she will be left with a feeling of what could have been had she played at the same level on Friday.
German No. 1 Tatjana Maria, who had been pushed hard by Laura Pigossi on Friday night, was replaced by teammate Friedsam and despite falling 4-0 behind the 30-year-old stormed back and took the opening set 7-5.
The rest of the match was a one-sided affair as Brazil's top-ranked player finally gave her loyal fans something to cheer about as she roared into life and dropped just one game across the next two sets.
Victory for Germany in the tie means another appearance at the season-ending BJK Cup Finals. For Brazil, they will compete in the Play-offs from where they will be looking to reach the Qualifiers once again.
The world No. 13 battled back from a set down to defeat Anna-Lena Friedsam 5-7 6-0 6-1 but she will be left with a feeling of what could have been had she played at the same level on Friday.
German No. 1 Tatjana Maria, who had been pushed hard by Laura Pigossi on Friday night, was replaced by teammate Friedsam and despite falling 4-0 behind the 30-year-old stormed back and took the opening set 7-5.
The rest of the match was a one-sided affair as Brazil's top-ranked player finally gave her loyal fans something to cheer about as she roared into life and dropped just one game across the next two sets.
Victory for Germany in the tie means another appearance at the season-ending BJK Cup Finals. For Brazil, they will compete in the Play-offs from where they will be looking to reach the Qualifiers once again.
Not done yet 💪@biahaddad1 keeps Brazil alive in the tie with a 5-7, 6-0, 6-1 victory over Friedsam!#BJKCup | @cbtenis pic.twitter.com/st0QvHbloM
— Billie Jean King Cup (@BJKCup) April 13, 2024
