Sanders helps Australia storm into Billie Jean King Cup final
Australia’s Storm Sanders has continued her good form at the BJK Cup.
World no. 237 defeated the world. no. 133 Heather Watson 6-4, 7-6(3) to give Australia a 1-0 lead going into the match between the highest-ranked players from each country.
“I just go out and do my thing on the court, and I think in this format and representing Australia, rankings go out the window,” said world No.237 Sanders.
“I thrive in this environment, having the team around us, not just on the court but the whole week before. Then obviously during my match, to be able to look at them and get the support and energy from them.
“I’m just trying to do my part for the team and coming up with the wins is just the cherry on top.”
Australia’s world no. 33 Ajla Tomljanovic lost to world no. 98 Harriet Dart 7-6(3), 6-2 to see the tie decided by the doubles.
Sanders backed up with veteran player Sam Stosur to claim the tie with a 7-6(1), 6-7(5), 10-6 victory over the British pairing of Alicia Barnett and Olivia Nicholls.
The Australians will face Switzerland in the final.
Australia lost to Switzerland in a one-sided semifinal in 2021 before the Swiss team lost to the Russian Tennis Federation team.
Australia reached the final in 2019 when the competition was known as the Fed Cup and it was played under a different format.