The Romanian team 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 Saturday, in Fernandina Beach (Florida), thanks to a point brought by the doubles pair of Ana Bogdan/Jaqueline Cristian .
Ana Bogdan and Jaqueline Cristian, who replaced the Mara Gae/Anca Todoni couple, won 6-2, 7-6 (9/7) against the twin sisters Liudmila and Nadia Kicenok, after two hours of play. After a first set, dominated by the Romanians and won 6-2, the Ukrainians started the second act very well and led 3-0. Ana Bogdan and Jaqueline Cristian managed to come back and equalize, 3-3, then they saved two set points at 5-4 for the opponents, taking the set to a tiebreak. The Kicenok sisters were 4-1 and 5-3, but the Romanians did not give in, equalizing 5-5, then missing match points at 6-5 and 7-6, to finally win 9-7 .
Romania made a spectacular comeback after being led 2-0 and will play in the final tournament in Seville, in the fall.
On Friday, Ana Bogdan was defeated by Lesia Ţurenko in three sets, 3-6, 6-2, 6-0, and Jaqueline Cristian was defeated by Elina Svitolina 6-3, 7-5.
On Saturday, Ana Bogdan managed to beat Elina Svitolina 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, and Jaqueline Cristian won against Lesia Ţurenko, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4.
Canada, Italy, host country Spain and wild card Czech Republic have already qualified for the final tournament of the Billie Jean King Cup.
