Elena Rybakina anchors Kazakhstan to Billie Jean King Cup win over Australia
WTA
With Jessica Pegula the latest big name to withdraw from Billie Jean King Cup action, the star power has diminished mainly to Elena Rybakina but she showed her class and led from the front for Kazakhstan against Australia.
The current World Number 10 rallied past Kimberly Birrell 6-3, 7-6(3) as she came from 3-1 down in the first set and 5-1 down in the second to win through.
But this give them a unbeatable 2-0 lead after Yulia Putintseva had eased past rising teenager Maya Joint 6-2, 6-1 in just 74 minutes in the opening tie.
"Such a difficult match and super happy to bring the win for the team, and Yulia did a great job in her match," said Rybakina.
"I played pretty well in the first set, but it was difficult and I was just trying to fight in the second set when I was down."
While Putintseva who started the tie off for Kazakhstan and stunned the home favourites said it was just one of those days where everything came together. "It was definitely a good game for me and I love playing in Brisbane. I think today was just one of those days when everything was working."
Next up for the side is Colombia at the same venue on Friday and they will progress to the finals in Shenzhen if they win. Australia also face Colombia on Saturday.
The Billie Jean King Cup sees six groups of eight nations as the finals go from a 12 team to eight team tournament in the same vein as the Davis Cup. Teams who win through the groups go straight into the finals. While teams finishing second and third will move to the play-offs in November.
But when it comes to Kazakhstan, it is a perfect start in their assault of the title.
Match Statistics Birrell vs. Rybakina
| Birrell | VS | Rybakina |
|---|---|---|
| Service | ||
| 2 | Aces | 7 |
| 2 | Double Faults | 1 |
| 66% (43/65) | 1st Service Percentage | 59% (34/58) |
| 63% (27/43) | 1st Service Points Won | 82% (28/34) |
| 43% (10/23) | 2nd Service Points Won | 62% (16/26) |
| 50% (4/8) | Break Points Saved | 50% (3/6) |
| 60% (6/10) | Service Games | 73% (8/11) |
| Return | ||
| 18% (6/34) | 1st Return Points Won | 37% (16/43) |
| 38% (10/26) | 2nd Return Points Won | 57% (13/23) |
| - | Break Points Saved | - |
| Other | ||
| 1h 28m | Match Duration | 1h 28m |
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