The Swiss team signed a historic page in Swiss sport by winning the Billie Jean King Cup (ex-Fed Cup) in Glasgow! By dominating Ajla Tomljanovic (WTA 33) 6-2 6-1, Belinda Bencic (12) ensured her country’s success against Australia. The Saint-Galloise had been placed on the right track by Jil Teichmann (35), faller of Storm Sanders (237) 6-3 4-6 6-3.
The failures suffered in 1998 at Palexpo by the Martina Hingis/Patty Schnyder duo (3-2 against Spain) and 12 months earlier in Prague by Belinda Bencic et Cie (2-0 against Russia) are therefore definitively erased. . The St-Galloise has also behaved as a patroness in Scotland.
On a mission in an event that is particularly close to her heart, Belinda Bencic won her 4 singles matches without conceding a single set. However, the pressure was great on the shoulders of the Olympic singles champion, even though Switzerland led 1-0 each time she entered the court.
A great team spirit
Because this coronation, which comes 8 years after that of the duo Roger Federer / Stan Wawrinka in the Davis Cup, is above all that of a team. That of a team spirit even, as the atmosphere which reigns within the selection of Heinz Günthardt is remarkable, whatever the tactical decisions.
Bencic imite Roger Federer. [EPA/Adam Vaughan – Keystone]
Because the Zurich man has often had to decide on the spot, and this was again the case this week. After trusting Jil Teichmann for the first time against Italy, he established Viktorija Golubic (77) against Canada and then against Czechia on Saturday in the semi-finals. With the same success.
With a more homogeneous workforce than its opponents, the Swiss team did not have to play any doubles involving a stake during this week. A remarkable performance, while Günthardt could have lined up the Olympic vice-champions in the specialty Bencic and Golubic if necessary…
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