Nur-Sultan (dpa) – For Angelique Kerber, taking part in the most important team competition for tennis players is always a “great honor”. And on the way to the hoped-for finals in the Billie Jean King Cup, the German leader will be crucial at the start in Kazakhstan.
The 34-year-old opens today (9:00 a.m. CEST) the qualifying duel in Nur-Sultan against Julia Putintseva. “It won’t be an easy match for me,” said the winner of three Grand Slam tournaments about the game on the less-loved surface. “She’s very special on clay. I know I have to defend well, but we’re ready as a team and we’re looking forward to the game.”
Laura Siegemund (34) will be the second German to play against the top Kazakh player Jelena Rybakina. “She is fit again after her operation and has already achieved great results on sand. For me it was the best option,” said team captain Rainer Schüttler, explaining Siegemund’s nomination, who after her knee operation was only an individual in the main draw again completed a WTA tournament. Currently, Siegemund has slipped to 232nd place in the world rankings. As regular German number two, Andrea Petkovic had to pull out due to injury.
Balance I:
The German team is playing against Kazakhstan for the first time in the Billie Jean King Cup – this duel has not taken place in the previous competition, the Fed Cup either. The Kazakhs are aiming for their first ever place in the finals, but are still not the clear underdogs. “It’s a head-to-head race,” said Schüttler, assessing the starting position.
Balance sheet II:
Kerber has clearly won her two previous games against her opponent Putinzewa in two sets. Siegemund has a record of 1:1 against the favored Rybakina and won the last duel a year ago in Doha.
day two:
On Saturday there are two more singles and the potentially decisive doubles. The German selection also includes Anna-Lena Friedsam and Jule Niemeier. “We’ll see how things go on the first day and what the results are like. Then we’ll think about how we’ll line up on Saturday,” said Schüttler.
Here’s how to proceed:
The winning team will take part in the finals from November 8th to 13th – the host has not yet been determined. The loser plays against relegation on November 11 and 12.