Anna-Lena Friedsam has not yet been able to perfect the German tennis players’ early entry into the final round of the Billie Jean King Cup.
The 30-year-old had to admit defeat to Brazilian top player Beatriz Haddad Maia 7:5, 0:6, 1:6 in the third singles match in São Paulo. Hosts Brazil reduced the score to 1:2 in their duel on clay with Germany.
Afterwards, Laura Siegemund has the chance against Laura Pigossi to get the decisive third point for the German team. If the Brazilians equalize, the decision would be in doubles. Friedsam and former world number one Angelique Kerber were nominated by team captain Rainer Schüttler.
The day before, Siegemund and Tatjana Maria had given the German Tennis Association (DTB) team a 2-0 lead. Siegemund (36) won surprisingly clearly against Haddad Maia 6:4, 6:2, Maria (36) then defeated Laura Pigossi 2:6, 6:4, 6:4.
Friedsam was only subsequently nominated for the third singles
Friedsam was subsequently nominated by team boss Schüttler for the third individual instead of Maria. She didn’t let herself be unsettled by a 4-0 deficit in the first set and fought her way back with strong nerves in the heated atmosphere of the 10,000-seat Arena Ginásio Ibirapuera. But from the second round onwards, the world number 13 had. Haddad Maia everything under control.
The winner of the game qualifies for the final round of the traditional nations competition in November in Seville. The loser has to play in playoffs to avoid relegation from the World Group. Germany reached the final round last year by beating Brazil. In the country comparison against the South American country, Germany is 5-0.
