Perez Alarcon stars as Peru notch Americas Group I victory over Bolivia
14/04/2023 01:00Teenager Lucciana Perez Alarcon proved an inspirational figure as Peru defeated Bolivia to chalk up their first Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge victory of 2023 and reignite their Americas Group I campaign
Teenager Lucciana Perez Alarcon proved an inspirational figure as Peru defeated Bolivia to chalk up their first Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge victory of 2023 and reignite their Americas Group I campaign.
The 17-year-old set Peru on their way with a 6-0 6-1 defeat of Catalina Padilla Udaeta in the opening singles clash, returning to great effect in the doubles after Noelia Zeballos Melgar had levelled matters with victory over Anastasia Iamachkine.
With the outcome of the tie resting on the doubles, Perez Alarcon, who earlier this year received an ITF-administered Grand Slam Player Development Programme grant, joined forces with Iamachkine to overpower Natalia Trigosso and Zeballos Melgar 6-4 6-4.
While Argentina and Colombia are very much the frontrunners in Americas Group I, from where the two best-performing nations will advance to November’s Billie Jean King Cup Play-offs, Peru’s victory over Bolivia has offered renewed hope following successive losses.
As a reminder, six nations – Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Bolivia and Guatemala – are competing in Cucuta, Colombia this week and aiming to progress in the women’s world cup of tennis. Only the top two will advance to November's Play-offs.
For a full list of results from Americas Group I as well as current standings, click here.