Nerveless Netherlands advance to Play-offs at expense of Serbia

Suzan Lamens and Demi Schuurs held their nerve to beat Serbia’s Olga Danilovic and Katarina Kozarov in a decisive doubles showdown and fire Netherlands to the 2023 Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge Play-offs.

Hungary and Sweden had already secured their places in the Play-offs after finishing top of Pools A and B respectively at the Europe/Africa Group I event at the Megasaray Tennis Academy in Antalya, Türkiye.

One outstanding issue still to be resolved was which nation would secure third place at the event and advance to the Play-offs – where victory would see teams advance to the 2024 Qualifiers – alongside Hungary and Sweden.

The clash between Netherlands and Serbia went the distance, with Lamens striking an early blow for the Dutch by defeating Lola Radivojevic 7-6(4) 6-0, only for Danilovic to hit back for Serbia. The 22-year-old dispatched Lesley Pattinama Kerkhove 6-2 7-6(5).

Ultimately, however, after a week of action, it all came down to the doubles, with Lamens and Schuurs standing tall for their nation and prevailing 7-5 7-6(3).

For a full list of results from Europe/Africa Group I as well as final standings, click here.