Baptiste, Pera Lead U.S. Win over Denmark in King Cup

By Tennis Now | @Tennis_Now | Saturday, April 12, 2025
Photograph credit score: Hameltion/Wikimedia Commons

Hailey Baptiste and Bernarda Pera each gained their Billie Jean King Cup debuts to steer the US previous Denmark, 3-0, on Saturday in Bratislava to arrange a decisive Qualifying tie vs. hosts Slovakia on Sunday with a visit to the 2025 Finals on the road.

“We knew it was going to be a tough weekend irrespective of which group we have been taking part in on no matter day, and it’s arduous whenever you’re anticipated to win,” U.S. captain Lindsay Davenport mentioned. “Clearly we have been the favorites towards Denmark, however so proud how two rookies performed a few of their finest tennis, it could possibly solely make me proud. They each competed tremendous arduous, they did every part we talked about all week in apply, so I’m so completely happy for Hailey, I’m so completely happy for Bernarda. It means quite a bit to them they usually actually confirmed it right now.

“They each acquired off to nice begins, particularly Hailey. Each of them had numerous nerves earlier than taking part in, which clearly means you care, however Hailey acquired off to a great begin and it calmed her down.

“There have been a few lengthy video games within the second set. Hailey acquired by way of one or two and was capable of get by way of. Bernarda was a fighter. She labored so arduous in apply all week. She’s type of set the tone for all of the youthful gamers as properly. Her professionalism, and she or he was so excited to return and signify the US.”

The American group will look to beat Slovakia for the primary time in three tries and avenge the 2 nations’ most up-to-date assembly, during which Slovakia narrowly eradicated the U.S. from the 2024 Finals in a third-set doubles tiebreak.

Tomorrow’s winner qualifies for the eight-nation Finals held September 16-21 in Shenzhen, China. Italy, China, Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Spain have all already certified.

Tomorrow’s loser competes subsequent within the Playoff around the week of November 10 (additionally round-robin format, with seven teams of three nations) with a purpose to return to the Qualifying pool for 2026.

USA 3, Denmark 0

Hailey Baptiste (USA) d. Rebecca Munk Mortensen (DEN), 6-1, 6-4

Bernarda Pera (USA) d. Johanne Svendsen (DEN), 6-3, 6-1

Desirae Krawczyk/Asia Muhammad (USA) d. Laura Brunkel/Emilie Francati (DEN), 6-4, 6-1

Sunday, April 13 (3 p.m. native; 9 a.m. ET)
USA v. Slovakia

*Singles A

*Singles B

*Doubles