Thanks to the victory of Donna Vekić in the singles match and Jana Fett and Darija Jurak in doubles, the Croatia women’s tennis team defeated Turkey with 2:1 in the first round of Group B of the Euro-African Fed Cup group in Bath, reports HRT on February 6, 2019.
Turkey took the lead first when Çağla Büyükakçay beat Anu Konjuh 7:5, 2:6, 6:3, though Donna Vekić equalized for Croatia after winning 7:6 (0), 6:3 against Pemra Ozgen.
The Croatia victory was secured by Jana Fett and Darija Jurak, who won 6:4, 6:4 against Buyukakčay and Ozgen in doubles.
“It was a tough match, the rivals returned a lot of balls, and I had to play my best tennis to the last point,” Donna Vekić commented briefly.
“I’m really happy to win the decisive match at 1:1. I think Darija and I played well although we played together for the first time. I also hope that tomorrow will be easier to win,” Jana Fett said.
Coach Iva Majoli added: “There is nothing but stress at the start, I hope it won’t be that way by the end of the week. Donna was expected to win, as long as she couldn’t feel the tiredness of last week. But she was full of confidence, and this was a routine match. We decided on Fett and Jurak for doubles at the last minute, and they did great, and could be even more convincing.”
Croatia still has to meet Serbia and Georgia in their group. The Serbia team has already secured victory after the singles games. Jorović beat Bolkvadze 6:3, 6:1, and Danilović was better than Gorgold 7:5, 6:3.
On Thursday, Croatia will play the 2nd round against Georgia, while Serbia and Turkey will meet.
Only the first place team in the group will have the opportunity to compete for a place in World Cup 2. Croatia’s group will crossover with the first team in Group A, which holds the UK, Hungary, Greece, and Slovenia.
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