By Admin 
Slovenia defeated the Netherlands 2-1 in a battle of heavyweights on the opening day of the Group ‘G’ Billie Jean King Cup play-offs here on Friday.
Slovenia’s Tamara Zidansek (World no. 162) and Kaja Juvan (98) raised the bar by defeating higher-ranked opponents in Arantxa Rus (139) and Suzan Lamens (87) respectively.
The tone was set by 2021 French Open semifinalist Zidansek, who made short work of southpaw Rus. Zidansek was in her element in the first set, pouncing on short balls with venom.
The 34-year-old Rus came alive in the second set, going for winners and hitting deep, flat groundstrokes. A close tie-break beckoned, which ended with the consistent Zidansek taking the honours.
Tamara Zidanšek defeated Arantxa Rus to put Slovenia ahead.
| Photo Credit:
K. MURALI KUMAR
The S.M. Krishna Tennis Stadium courts saw big bounce, with the ball often rearing above the head. Tamara, adept at whipping an overhead forehand, adapted to the conditions with ease. Tamara also did well to rush to the net when her approach shot found the corners, allowing her to close out points with clean volleys.
Juvan and Lamens, the two best players in the group, went toe-to-toe in a quality outing. Lamens smacked powerful forehands at will, while the lean, tall Juvan stretched every sinew to retrieve certain winners.
Juvan overturned a 2-5 disadvantage to win the first set 7-6. Lamens then forced a decider, holding serve at crucial junctures to close out the second set.
The 24-year-old Juvan soon shifted gears, hitting down-the-line backhand winners when Lamens lobbed in weak second serves. The constant pressure took a toll on Lamens, who finished second best at the end of a two-hour, 34-minute slugfest.
Host India takes on heavy favourite Slovenia on Saturday. If Slovenia defeats India, the former will emerge as an early winner in this three-team group.
The result:Slovenia bt the Netherlands 2-1 (Tamara Zidansek bt Arantxa Rus 6-1, 7-6(6); Kaja Juvan bt Suzan Lamens 7-6(7), 4-6, 6-3; Dalila Jakupovic & Nika Radisic lost to Lamens & Demi Schuurs 4-6, 0-6).