Rainer Schüttler, team leader of the German women’s tennis team, is optimistic about the final round of the Billie Jean King Cup in Seville.
“We are certainly not favorites in the group. But we have already shown that we are a very compact team and have a good team spirit,” said the 47-year-old before the opening duel in the preliminary round against Italy on Thursday (10:00 a.m ).
“It’s fun with the team because they’re all friends and there’s a good atmosphere. We’re definitely dangerous for every opponent,” said Schüttler. The goal is “to survive the group. We will leave everything on the pitch to achieve that,” said the former professional.
In addition to Italy, Germany will also face France in the national competition of the world’s twelve best teams. This match takes place on Friday at 10:00 a.m. Only the winner of the group of three will qualify for the semi-finals on Saturday. In each duel, two singles and, if necessary, a decisive double are played.
Schüttler is relying primarily on German number one Tatjana Maria and Laura Siegemund, who triumphed in doubles at the WTA Finals in Mexico on Monday evening. Anna-Lena Friedsam, Eva Lys and Jule Niemeier are also part of the German squad.