Uchijima leads Japan past Romania, sets up showdown with Canada at Billie Jean King Cup
Japan's top-ranked Moyuka Uchijima delivered a clutch performance to defeat Romania’s Anca Todoni, securing a decisive victory for her team in the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers in Tokyo. Uchijima’s win followed Ena Shibahara’s earlier triumph over Miriam Bulgaru, pushing Japan to the top of Group A and into a Sunday showdown with Canada for a spot in the Finals.
Shibahara handled the pressure well in front of a passionate home crowd, defeating Bulgaru 7-5 6-2 to give Japan an early edge. “I was nervous in the beginning. I think overall I played well,” said Shibahara. “It (the crowd) helps me so much, I love it when they’re loud. I really kept pressing and being aggressive.”
Uchijima had a tougher battle, dropping the first set 3-6 and facing two match points in the second against Todoni. The Romanian looked poised to clinch the tie, but Uchijima fought back to force a tiebreak and took control from there. She dominated the final set, breaking Todoni twice to close out the match 3-6 7-6(3) 6-2.
“I don’t know how I won the match. I am just happy that I was able to pull it off. Of course, the fans helped me a lot,” Uchijima said, reflecting on her dramatic comeback.
Elsewhere, Spain secured their place in the Finals with a strong Group B performance in Ostrava. Cristina Bucsa and Jessica Bouzas Maneiro claimed straight-set wins over Czech Republic’s Marie Bouzkova and Linda Noskva respectively.
In Group D, Australia wrapped up a 3-0 sweep of Colombia in Brisbane, but Kazakhstan had already clinched the group’s top spot, denying the hosts a place in the Finals.
The Group C decider between the United States and Slovakia is set for Sunday in Bratislava. The U.S. earned a dominant win over Denmark with Hailey Baptiste defeating Rebecca Munk Mortensen 6-1 6-4, and Bernarda Pera cruising past Johanne Christine Svendsen 6-3 6-1.
Switzerland and Ukraine are scheduled to meet in Group E action in Poland on Saturday.
SportsLigue