Slovakia defeats Australia to reach Billie Jean King Cup semi-finals
MALAGA, Spain: Slovakia secured a historic victory over Australia on Sunday to reach the Billie Jean King Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2002. Singles wins from Viktoria Hruncakova and Rebecca Sramkova gave Slovakia an unassailable 2-0 lead in the quarter-finals.
Hruncakova set the tone with a hard-fought 7-5, 6-7(4), 6-3 win over Kimberly Birrell in a grueling two-hour and 30-minute battle. Despite being ranked 126 places below Birrell, Hruncakova delivered a stellar performance, hitting 32 winners and capitalizing on her opponent’s 37 unforced errors.
Rebecca Sramkova followed with a stunning 6-1, 6-2 victory over world number 43 Ajla Tomljanovic, who appeared hampered by a knee issue. Sramkova’s dominant display overwhelmed the Australian, securing Slovakia’s place in the final four.
The Slovaks had earlier shocked 18-time champions the United States to advance to the quarter-finals. They will now face either defending champions Canada or Britain for a place in the final, while Poland and Italy have already booked their semi-final spots.
