By Tennis Now | @Tennis_Now | Saturday, April 12, 2025
Picture credit score: Hameltion/Wikimedia Commons
Hailey Baptiste and Bernarda Pera each gained their Billie Jean King Cup debuts to guide the USA previous Denmark, 3-0, on Saturday in Bratislava to arrange a decisive Qualifying tie vs. hosts Slovakia on Sunday with a visit to the 2025 Finals on the road.
“We knew it was going to be a tough weekend irrespective of which staff we had been enjoying on no matter day, and it’s onerous whenever you’re anticipated to win,” U.S. captain Lindsay Davenport mentioned. “Clearly we had been the favorites in opposition to Denmark, however so proud how two rookies performed a few of their finest tennis, it might solely make me proud. They each competed tremendous onerous, they did all the pieces we talked about all week in follow, so I’m so glad for Hailey, I’m so glad for Bernarda. It means rather a lot to them and so they actually confirmed it right now.
“They each received off to nice begins, particularly Hailey. Each of them had plenty of nerves earlier than enjoying, which clearly means you care, however Hailey received off to begin and it calmed her down.
“There have been a few lengthy video games within the second set. Hailey received by means of one or two and was capable of get by means of. Bernarda was a fighter. She labored so onerous in follow all week. She’s form of set the tone for all of the youthful gamers as nicely. Her professionalism, and she or he was so excited to return and symbolize the USA.”
The American staff will look to beat Slovakia for the primary time in three tries and avenge the 2 nations’ most up-to-date assembly, through which Slovakia narrowly eradicated the U.S. from the 2024 Finals in a third-set doubles tiebreak.
Tomorrow’s winner qualifies for the eight-nation Finals held September 16-21 in Shenzhen, China. Italy, China, Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Spain have all already certified.
Tomorrow’s loser competes subsequent within the Playoff around the week of November 10 (additionally round-robin format, with seven teams of three nations) in an effort to return to the Qualifying pool for 2026.
USA 3, Denmark 0
Hailey Baptiste (USA) d. Rebecca Munk Mortensen (DEN), 6-1, 6-4
Bernarda Pera (USA) d. Johanne Svendsen (DEN), 6-3, 6-1
Desirae Krawczyk/Asia Muhammad (USA) d. Laura Brunkel/Emilie Francati (DEN), 6-4, 6-1
Sunday, April 13 (3 p.m. native; 9 a.m. ET)
USA v. Slovakia
*Singles A
*Singles B
*Doubles
