Nur-Sultan – For Angelique Kerber, taking part in tennis’ most important team competition is always a “great honour”. And on the way to the hoped-for finals in the Billie Jean King Cup, it comes down to the German leader right from the start in Kazakhstan.
The 34-year-old opens the qualifying duel in Nur-Sultan against Yulia Putintseva today (9.00am CEST). “It’s not going to be an easy match for me,” the winner of three Grand Slam tournaments said of the match on the less fancied surface. “She plays very special on clay. I know I have to compete well. But we are ready as a team and looking forward to the match.”
Laura Siegemund (34) will be the second German to play against Kazakhstan’s top player Yelena Rybakina. “She is fit again after her operation and has also achieved super results on clay before. For me, it was the best option,” said team captain Rainer Schüttler, explaining the nomination of Siegemund, who has only played one singles match in the main draw of a WTA tournament after her knee operation. Siegemund is currently ranked 232nd in the world. Germany’s number two Andrea Petkovic had to cancel her appearance due to injury.
Balance I:
The German team will play Kazakhstan for the first time in the Billie Jean King Cup – this duel has also never taken place in the previous Fed Cup competition. The Kazakh women are aiming for their first ever appearance in the finals, but are still not clear underdogs. “It’s a neck-and-neck race,” said Schüttler, assessing the starting position.
Balance II:
Kerber has won her two matches so far against opening opponent Putintseva clearly in two sets. Siegemund has a 1-1 record against the favoured Rybakina so far and won their last meeting in Doha a year ago.
Day two:
On Saturday, two more singles and the possibly decisive doubles are scheduled. The German selection still includes Anna-Lena Friedsam and Jule Niemeier. “We’ll see how it goes on the first day and what the results are. Then we’ll think about how we line up on Saturday,” said Schüttler.
How it goes:
The winning team will be in the finals from 8 to 13 November – the host has not been decided yet. The loser will play against relegation on 11 and 12 November.