Czechia 2-1 USA: Czechs win to set-up Canada semi-final
10/11/2023 15:38
Czechia will face Canada on Saturday for a place in the 2023 Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge final after victory over USA in a tie which went the distance
By Ross McLean
Czechia are on the march and with victory over USA in their crunch group-stage showdown have given the biggest indication yet that a 12th Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge title may be incoming.
Not for the first time, dynamic duo Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova joined forces in doubles to triumph 6-3 7-5 in a decisive match, this time against American pair Danielle Collins and Taylor Townsend.
World No. 7 Marketa Vondrousova had earlier hauled Czechia level in brutal fashion, defeating Sofia Kenin 6-1 6-1 in the second singles match of a pulsating encounter.
Incidentally, victory for Vondrousova means the Sokolov-born 24-year-old has now won 26 consecutive sets for Czechia in Billie Jean King Cup, which translates to 13 straight match-wins across singles and doubles.
Former Australian Open finalist Danielle Collins had given USA the perfect start by blasting her nation into the lead courtesy of a 6-3 6-3 downing of Siniakova. However, the 27-year-old would have her revenge.
The 27-year-old’s fearsome partnership with Krejcikova, which has yielded seven Grand Slam doubles titles, is legendary and a formidable hurdle for any opponent – and would-be conqueror – to clear.
Indeed, they are a significant weapon within the Czech armoury and a combination which puts sizeable pressure on the singles games of rival players. One mistake and Siniakova and Krejcikova are likely to strike.
“It’s tough to be unbeatable because it’s impossible, but I’m proud of how we play and how long we are playing, because it’s not easy,” said Siniakova.
“Everyone wants to beat us, and they are coming and trying to find things. I wouldn’t say our partnership is natural. You just need to work hard and we both like practicing and trying to improve ourselves, which is a big part.
“I was very happy when we sealed the winning point today. It was a really good match and I was really excited and happy that we finished it and with the way we played.”
USA will now face Canada, who have reached the Billie Jean King Cup semi-finals for the first time since 1988, on Saturday (not before 16:00 CET) for a place in the final.
If Canada were tempted to consult the history books for a pre-tie boost, they might be advised against it. The Canadians have faced the Czechs seven times in Billie Jean King Cup history and have lost all seven.
“It is going to be another tough day and we want to do everything to be in the final and to play for the title of world champion again,” said Czechia captain Petr Pala.
“The motivation is there and I don’t need to say anything to the girls. We just have to make the right decisions, which will give ourselves the best chance of beating Canada.
“In terms of today, I am very happy with how everything went but we now have to re-group and tomorrow is another day. But I am very proud of the way the girls played.
“The US were there, just waiting for the winning moment. It got to the wire and it could have gone either way, but we have a world-class doubles team.”
Defeat for the United States sees them exit the Finals and wave goodbye to the possibility of a record-extending 19th Billie Jean King Cup title.
Topping the women’s World Cup of Tennis podium would have been a fitting tribute to departing captain Kathy Rinaldi, who is standing down after six years at the helm.
Significant memories have been forged during that time, including their 2017 triumph in Minsk, and the American players fought to the very end for someone who they clearly hold in high esteem.
While Rinaldi’s Billie Jean King Cup race and that of the United States at these Finals is run, perhaps that of Czechia is only just beginning.
