Russian’s make a sensational return to the winner’s circle as they lift their fifth Billie Jean King Cup in Prague

Russian’s make a sensational return to the winner’s circle as they lift their fifth Billie Jean King Cup in Prague

The Russian Tennis Federation is back in the winner’s circle at the Billie Jean King Cup, defeating Switzerland in the championship tie to claim the premier team competition in women’s tennis for the fifth time.

The Russians dominated the event in the 2000s, winning the title four times during that decade, but they had not claimed a title since 2008.

They put an end to that 13-year drought after Daria Kasatkina and Liudmila Samsonova picked up singles wins to build an insurmountable 2-0 lead over the Swiss squad and capture the cup at the O2 Arena in Prague on Saturday night.

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The Russians denied Switzerland their maiden Billie Jean King Cup championship. The Swiss finish as runners-up for the second time, along with their finalist showing in 1998 when they fell to five-time champions Spain.

Daria Kasatkina and Liudmila Samsonova bring it home for Russia

Russian Tennis Federation lift their fifth Billie Jean King Cup after beating Switzerland in Prague

Kasatkina beat Jil Teichmann 6-2, 6-4 and Samsonova overpowered Olympic champion Belinda Bencic 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 to bring Russia its fifth title overall in the team competition previously known as the Fed Cup.

Teichmann, the World No.39 had demolished Storm Sanders on Friday as Switzerland bear Australia in the semi-final, but the 28th ranked Kasatkina, who had sat out Russia’s previous two ties was on a different level altogether.

“I think mentality was the key. I was tough from the beginning till the end of the match and I’m happy with the level. Amazing feeling. I’m happy that I bring this very important point to my team”, said Kasatkina after the match.

World No.40, Samsonova had a lion’s share in Russia’s semi-final win over the United States as she won her singles game and then helped Russia take the doubles game too. Infact, Samsonova was a last moment replacement for World No.12, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.

“I have too many emotions now, I am feeling like I’m freezing and it’s unbelievable really. Unbelievably happy. Today was an incredible fight, it was more than tennis”, Samsonova said after celebrating with her team.

Russia, which had won their previous titles all in the mid-2000s, were competing in Prague as the Russian Tennis Federation due to doping sanctions that prevent them from using their country’s flag and anthem.

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