Russia Tops Switzerland For 5th BJK Cup Title

Yesterday in Prague, Russia powered to their fifth Billie Jean Cup title defeating Switzerland 2-0 in the finale.

Russia opened the day with Daria Kasatkina outclassing Jil Tiechmann 6-2, 6-4.

With their back against the wall, Switzerland turned to gold medallist Belinda Bencic who took the opener but fell in the end to the powerful Liudmila Samsonova 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. Samsonova subbed in for the injured Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.

“I have too many emotions now,” Samsonova told the crowd. “It’s unbelievable. I’m unbelievably happy.”

This was the first year of the revamped format — all ties played in one city — and under a new name.

Twelve teams traveled to Prague with four groups of three each. The winners of each group came out to the semifinal knockout rounds.

Russia defeated the USA while Switzerland eliminated Australia. Russia lost just two matches the entire week.

“It’s an historical win for us,” said Russian captain Igor Andreev said. “It’s been a long time without any trophies in team tennis. I’m very proud and very happy for the girls, the way they played. They’re amazing, they’re heroes, and they achieved this because they’re a team, a real team and real friends.”

Match Scores from final
Daria Kasatkina (RTF) d. Jil Teichmann (SUI) 6-2 6-4
Liudmila Samsonova (RTF) d. Belinda Bencic (SUI) 3-6 6-3 6-4
Ekaterina Alexandrova/Daria Kasatkina (RTF) v Viktorija Golubic/Stefanie Voegele (SUI) – not played

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