Great Britain overcame the Netherlands in a decisive doubles match to secure their place in the Billie Jean King Cup finals.
After Sonay Kartal defeated Eva Vedder in the opening singles match, British No. 1 Katie Boulter was defeated by Suzan Lamens in straight sets, leading to a crucial doubles match in The Hague.
Captain Anne Keothavong`s decision to pair Boulter with Jodie Burrage, replacing the original lineup, proved successful. Great Britain dominated against Lamens and Demi Schuurs, securing a spot in the eight-team finals in September.
This victory is particularly impressive as Britain competed without Emma Raducanu, who chose to withdraw to focus on training for the clay-court season.
Kartal, who debuted for the national team in Friday`s victory over Germany, earlier demonstrated resilience in the deciding set to defeat Vedder 6-4, 4-6, 6-1 in the first singles match.
After falling behind 2-0 but recovering to win the first set, Kartal faced a strong response from Vedder, ranked 265th globally, who won the second set after a late break to level the score.
However, British No. 3 Kartal regained control in the deciding set, leveraging her powerful forehand to break Vedder twice in the fourth and sixth games before securing victory with a drop shot at the net.
Kartal Expresses Pride, Boulter Faces Defeat
“I am extremely proud of my performance,” said Kartal, ranked No. 60 in the world. “Towards the end, I was physically struggling. The crowd and my teammates on the bench helped me pull through. This victory means a lot.”
However, British No. 1 Boulter was unable to secure the overall victory in the second singles match, as world No. 70 Lamens fought her way to a 6-4, 6-3 victory.
Boulter had previously staged an impressive comeback against Tatjana Maria to secure victory against Germany.
Lamens capitalized on Boulter`s unforced errors to secure two breaks in the first set, taking a 4-1 lead.
Although Boulter recovered with a break and then held serve at 4-5, Lamens closed out the set in her subsequent service game to love.
Boulter seemed to regroup at the start of the second set, breaking for a 3-1 lead, but failed to maintain her serve.
Lamens, aiming for her 13th consecutive Billie Jean King Cup match victory, maintained pressure at 5-3, and another break of Boulter`s serve secured victory for the Netherlands and forced a decisive doubles match.
Doubles specialists Olivia Nicholls and Harriet Dart were initially scheduled to play, but with the outcome uncertain, Great Britain captain Keothavong decided to substitute Boulter and Burrage.
This proved to be an inspired decision as the British pair saved four break points in the second game to hold serve and then secured a break themselves to love, taking a 2-1 lead.
Another break on Schuurs` serve extended their lead to 5-2, and they soon wrapped up the first set.
The Dutch team took a break off-court during the changeover, seeking inspiration to energize the subdued home crowd.
However, Boulter and Burrage remained aggressive, securing two early breaks in the second set before clinching a memorable victory.
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