ITF

ITF World Winter 2021 25 Top le Krejcikova was the highest-ranked player at the Finals Top right Stephens in ac on for the United States Middle Viktoria Kuzmova and Tereza Mihalikova of Slovakia Bo om Australia's Gavrilova excelled at the Finals Prague's O2 Arena was a fabulous host for the Finals Group placings and knockout results Group A 1. RTF 2. Canada 3. France Group B 1. Australia 2. Belgium 3. Belarus Group C 1. United States 2. Slovakia 3. Spain Group D 1. Switzerland 2. Czech Republic 3. Germany Semi-finals RTF 2-1 United States Australia 0-2 Switzerland Final RTF 2-0 Switzerland Gavrilova was visibly emotional as she made a winning return, defeating Minnen, who was a whopping 342 places higher than her rival in the world rankings, during Australia's opening bout against Belgium. There was also a noteworthy contribution from fellow Aussie Storm Sanders, who continued her own singles renaissance by dispatching Elise Mertens and posting her maiden victory against a top 20 opponent, which paved the way for her nation reaching the last-four. Like Gavrilova, the left-handed Queenslander has been blighted by injury and stayed away from the singles court for almost two years until a return in October 2019. She hit a career-high ranking of No. 119 in October and is intent on further progress next season. Then came the competition's eponymous heroine. Billie Jean King was in Prague for the Finals and was present as Sloane Stephens and Collins blasted USA to the semi-finals with victory over Spain, with both players acknowledging the impact her presence had on their performance. There was respite for Spain in this one-sided tie as Aliona Bolsova and Rebeka Masarova claimed doubles victory, moments before a poignant tribute and farewell to Carla Suarez Navarro, who chose the Finals as her last competitive event before retiring. It was another stellar Billie Jean King Cup moment from an inaugural event which delivered excitement, intrigue and passion. Focus now switches to April's Qualifiers. By reaching the final, RTF and Switzerland have qualified automatically for next year's Finals, while the remainder of the teams on show in Prague will compete in the Qualifiers. The drama never ceases – thankfully. n Q U A L I F I E RS D RAW 2 02 2

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