dThe German tennis players had a perfect start at the Billie Jean King Cup in Brazil. After the first two singles, they lead 2-0 against the hosts. First won Laura Siegemund on Friday (local time) against Brazilian player Beatriz Haddad Maia with a surprisingly clear score of 6:4, 6:2. Then, Tatjana María defeated Laura Pigossi 2:6, 6:4, 6:4.
In front of almost 10,000 spectators at the Arena Ginásio Ibirapuera in São Paulo, Haddad Maia in particular seemed nervous. The current number 13 in the world ranking allowed 31 small errors against the experienced Siegemund. “I've been on tour for a long time and it's amazing to play in front of such a crowd. “That doesn't happen every day,” says the 36-year-old German.
Kerber is only intended for doubles
Maria, also 36, had more work to do against Pigossi and also benefited from her opponent's physical problems in the third set of the two-and-a-half-hour match. “The atmosphere was great. We have to enjoy these moments. I wish it were like this every week,” said María.
With their victories, Siegemund and Maria confirmed their nomination by team boss Rainer Schüttler, the returnee. Angelique Kerber Initially it was only intended for a possible double. The former world number one would finally play alongside Anna-Lena Friedsam against Haddad Maia and Luisa Stefani on Saturday. Before that, Maria competes with Haddad Maia and Siegemund with Pigossi. Schüttler can still change the lineup for the final day.
The German Tennis Federation (DTB) team is still one victory away from reaching the final round of the national competition in Seville in November. Last year the German team also had against Brazil won in the classification. In a country comparison, Germany is 5-0.