U.S., Japan qualify for Billie Jean King Cup Finals

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia — Hailey Baptiste and Bernarda Pera had straight-set wins Sunday to offer the USA a spot within the Billie Jean King Cup Finals with a 2-1 victory over host Slovakia.

Baptiste beat Renata Jamrichova 6-3, 6-4 and Pera overcame Slovakian No. 1 Rebecca Sramkova 7-6 (2), 7-5 within the Group C match.

“Actually, I am so overwhelmed by the feelings, so completely happy,” Pera mentioned. “I had a lot enjoyable with the crew, the women are superb, I bought a lot assist from all of them and I am tremendous completely happy.”

The U.S., which beat Denmark 3-0 on Saturday, topped Group C.

Japan advances

Ena Shibahara and Shuko Aoyama defeated Canadians Kayla Cross and Rebecca Marino 6-3, 5-7 6-2 within the decisive doubles match in Group A to safe Japan a spot within the finals.

Canada had taken a 1-0 lead when Victoria Mboko defeated Shibahara 6-4, 6-7 (8), 7-5. Japan evened the tie with Moyuka Uchijima beating Marina Stakusic 6-3, 6-3 within the second singles.

“I am actually completely happy that I bought the doubles executed at the moment,” Shibahara mentioned.

The BJK Cup Finals can be performed in Shenzhen in September, when Japan can be making its second consecutive finals look and can attempt to match its best-ever efficiency. It reached the semifinals in 1996.