The Castellón native succumbed to Leylah Fernandez (7-6(8) and 7-6(7) in a tight duel and the North Americans made it 0-2 in the tie
Previously, Rebeka Masarova lost the first match after being swept by Marina Stakusic 6-3, 6-1. The doubles will give the other remaining point
In two tiebreakers and after almost three hours of play Sara Sorribes lost to Leylah Fernandez (7-6(8) and 7-6(7) and Canada secured victory in the duel against Spainfrom the first day of Group C of the group stage of the Billie Jean King Cup. Sorribes’ defeat joins the one suffered earlier by Rebeka Masarovabeaten without palliatives by the young Marina Stakusic in the first match of the Spanish team in Seville.
The Spanish number one due to the absence of Paula Badosa who did not enter into captain Anabel Medina’s plans for this day, is still not in full condition After being absent from the courts since Wimbledon, he did not take advantage of his options. Sorribes had three set points in the first set. another one in the second.
It did not help the player from Castellón with her usual dedication on the court. Sara is a player who holds on to the court at every point and does not give up. But it was not enough against the Canadian, a finalist in the United States Open two seasons ago. A team player – she has won eight of her last nine Billie Jean King Cup matches – she was better in the key moments of the match.
He resisted despite Sara Sorribes’ push. She did not lose her place and stopped the Spaniard’s reaction in the second set, when she had 5-3 on her side. She turned the situation around, the number one from Canada who beat the Spanish in Monterreyin the first face to face between the two, but with whom they lost in the WTA 1000 in Madrid this same year.
The outlook darkens for Spain. In the absence of the doubles to establish the final score, Anabel Medina’s team already has a defeat behind them. On Friday they will play Poland, which Canada will face on Thursday. If the North American team wins the duel, they will have sealed their presence in the semifinals.
Masarova, KO
The day started badly, with an unmitigated defeat of the number two in Spain, Rebeka Masarova who made her debut with the Spanish team in an individual match. But her opponent had more pressure, the young Marina Stakusic, 18 years old, who had never been in a duel in this tournament. With no professional experience, she only participated in ITF competitions, she put aside the tension and she overwhelmed her opponent 6-3 and 6-1.
The Canadian, ranked 258th in the women’s individual ranking, put the Spanish player to shame, whom she beat in 70 minutes. The Spanish, 65th in the world, finalist in Auckland this season, was always against the tide against a more daring opponent who did not accuse her debut in this tournament.
“I have been nervous and it has not been easy. I have not finished finding my best situations on the track. I have tried until the end but it was not possible. The good thing is that we still have points to fight for,” said the Spanish tennis player, surpassed by a young woman who had never been with her Billie Jean King Cup team.
“I have played with pressure and so has she, with the public against. But it has been solid and balanced, it has not given the impression of faltering or showing pressure. She has given away very little. “She played very well,” said Masarova, who, despite the defeat, hopes to have another chance in Spain’s next matches. Afterwards, the day will be completed with the doubles clash between Cristina Bucsa and Marina Bassols and the Canadians Leylah Fernandez and Gabriela Dabrowski.