In a dramatic and long match against Aleksandra Krunić, the 116th player in the WTA ranking, Martić won 4-6, 7-5, 6-4, which gave Croatia its second singles victory, enough for the play-offs of this competition, which will be to be held in November this year, and for a spot in the 2023 World Group.
In the first match, 16-year-old Croatian tennis player and the world’s best junior Petra Marčinko defeated Lola Radivojević 6-1, 2-6, 6-0, who is the 62nd junior in the world.
Martić was facing defeat against Krunić who led 6-4, 5-3. The Serbian tennis player served for the match at 5-4, but Martić ended up winning the second set 7-5.
Krunić opened the third set with 2-0, but Martić quickly returned to equalize and at 5-4 made a key break for Croatia’s victory.
Earlier, Hungary and Slovenia, the winners of the groups in Antalya, advanced to the playoffs. Croatia and Serbia were the second-placed teams in both groups and additionally played for another place leading to the playoffs. In the end, Iva Majoli’s team was more successful.
Given that the duel was resolved after both singles matches, the doubles match was not played.
Billie Jean King Cup, Playoffs:
Croatia – Serbia 2-0
Petra Marčinko (Cro) – Lola Radivojević (Serb) 6-1, 2-6, 6-0
Petra Martić (Cro) – Aleksandra Krunić (Serb) 4-6, 7-5, 6-4
Source: HTS
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