Issue link: http://itf.uberflip.com/i/1438671
BILLIE JEAN KING CUP FINALS There were thrills, spills and storylines aplenty as the Russian Tennis Federation topped the podium at November's inaugural Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Prague. ITFWorld relives all the drama and excitement After two postponements, an 18-month delay due to the Covid-19 pandemic and a change of venue, the Billie Jean King Cup by BNP Paribas Finals were finally unveiled in November – and the wait was more than worth it. The Russian Tennis Federation (RTF) proved themselves a class apart, producing numerous eye- catching performances – at times they were spellbinding – during an enthralling week-long extravaganza at Prague's O2 Arena. A fifth Billie Jean King Cup title was theirs following a 2-0 victory over Switzerland in the final as Igor Andreev's outfit lived up to their pre- tournament billing to become the inaugural winners of the competition's new format. Arriving in the Czech Republic with five players ranked within the top 50, RTF were always likely to be among the frontrunners for silverware and so it proved as they bulldozed their way to glory, losing just two matches across four ties. A fifth tournament win – all of which have come since the turn of the century – and first since 2007 moved RTF level with Spain on the all-time honour roll of champions, although they still trail Australia, Czech Republic and 18-time winners USA. For Switzerland, who emerged from the toughest of group-stage draws which included the perennially strong hosts and a semi-final showdown with 2019 finalists Australia, a maiden Billie Jean King Cup title remains tantalisingly out of reach. They are, however, worthy of considerable acclaim as a side anchored by Olympic champion Belinda Bencic, who was ably supported by Viktorija Golubic and Jil Teichmann, performed with distinction and no little flair. Ultimately, however, RTF were not to be denied and the powerful resources at their disposal came to the fore as Liudmila Samsonova, who had made her tournament debut only days earlier, sealed the decisive point by defeating Bencic in the final's second singles match. WORTH WAIT the the ITF World Winter 2021 21 WATC H M O R E