Romania was defeated by Japan with a score of 2-1, on Thursday evening, in the first round of the final tournament of the Billie Jean King Cup women’s team tennis competition, on Thursday, in Malaga (Spain).
Monica Niculescu and Gabriela Ruse. PHOTO Facebook Romanian Tennis Federation
Monica Niculescu and Gabriela Ruse were defeated in the decisive doubles match by Shuko Aoyama/Eri Hozumi 6-1, 7-5, after one hour and 25 minutes, according to Agerpres.
After several mistakes, the Romanians lost the first set without the right to appeal, 1-6. The second act was more balanced, but the Japanese managed a first break at 3-3, and then they had 5-3. Niculescu and Ruse managed to save three match points and restore the tie, 5-5, but then lost their serve again, the Japanese winning 7-5.
Aoyama and Hozumi had significantly higher service percentages, the Romanian having more unforced errors (28-13). Also, another chapter where the difference was made was that of the break balls, Niculescu and Ruse making only one of the ten chances created (4/7 for the Japanese).
Ana Bogdan defeated Nao Hibino
In the first singles match, Ana Bogdan (31 years old, 116 WTA) defeated Nao Hibino Hibino (29 years old, 152 WTA) 6-2, 6-4
In the second singles match, Ena Shibahara (26 years old, 135 WTA) defeated Jaqueline Cristian (26 years old, 73 WTA) 6-4, 7-6 (7/2).
The Romanian team participated for the first time in the final tournament of the Billie Jean King Cup. Japan will play in the quarterfinals against Italy, last year’s finalist.
Captain Horia Tecău summoned Jaqueline Cristian, Ana Bogdan, Gabriela Ruse, Anca Todoni and Monica Niculescu for this final tournament.
Romania qualified for the first time in the final tournament of the Billie Jean King Cup, after defeating Ukraine with a score of 3-2, on April 14, in Fernandina Beach (Florida).
