Switzerland 0-2 Poland: Frech survives marathon to edge closer to Finals
12/04/2024 15:01
Magdalena Frech fought off tenacious teenager Celine Naef to take Poland another step towards the Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge Finals in November
By Kate Clark
In a match with ever-changing momentum and lasting just under three hours, world No.52 Magdalena Frech withstood a concerted onslaught from Swiss 18-year-old Celine Naef to take the victory 6-7(10) 7-5 6-3.
The result takes Poland into day two of the Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers with a commanding lead.
Naef, ranked world No.148, played with power and tenacity, going 3-0 up in the opening set. Frech reeled her back, but the big-serving teenager, who was playing on home soil in the competition for the first time, showed fearlessness and confidence to hold on through an intense tie-break to take the set.
Further reversals of fortune ensued on both sides. Naef broke Frech to love at 4-4 in the second set, then the Pole, having lost nine points in a row took the next four to break straight back.
The more experienced Frech, who was called up after the late withdrawal of Magda Linette, then pounced on Naef’s failure to serve out the match in the second set and switched up a gear in the third to get Poland over the line on the first day.
“I’m really, really tired right now,” an exhausted Frech said. “It’s always tough to win the match here. It’s a special tournament, special emotions.”
She praised the crowd, saying that she almost felt like she was at home because of the strong Polish support in the stadium. She also praised her opponent.
“Celine played amazing. She served so well, she made a lot of points from the serve, I couldn’t read it, the direction.”
She credited some of her victory to her attitude in digging in for the third set, spurred on in part by not having won on the tour since February. “I think I tried to be more aggressive, to play my game. It’s not easy because I won my last match one month ago, or maybe more, so [my effort] was twice higher here.”
Earlier, Iga Swiatek got proceedings off to a flying start for Poland with a commanding victory over Simona Waltert 6-3 6-1.
Squeezed past to perfection by @iga_swiatek 🎯#BJKCup | @pzt_tenis pic.twitter.com/cQ4J3b2b7O
— Billie Jean King Cup (@BJKCup) April 12, 2024
Ranked 157 places below Swiatek, Waltert stepped up against the four-time Grand Slam winner with exceptional court coverage and inspired play. She seemed to enjoy her first singles appearance for her country but was no match for the Pole’s experience and power.
Swiatek admitted that the scoreline didn't reflect the intensity of the match. "We had many games that were kind of even, with many deuces and break points. For sure it wasn't easy - I felt like she can play like an underdog more with no pressure and with the Swiss crowd support.
"I knew what I can show and I wanted to just stay solid," she added. "Because at the beginning I made a couple of mistakes that changed the momentum a little bit but the key is not to overthink it and not make the same mistakes so I'm glad that I did that at the end."
Both teams are fighting for a spot in this year’s Billie Jean King Cup Finals, which take place in Seville at the end of the season.
Switzerland won their first title in 2022, while Poland have yet to get their hands on the team trophy.
Switzerland v Poland
