Team manager Rainer Schüttler can rely on his currently best team for the finals of the Billie Jean King Cup. Schüttler nominated Tatjana Maria, Jule Niemeier, Laura Siegemund and Eva Lys for the finals in Malaga, Spain. There, the German tennis team will first face Great Britain in the round of 16 on November 15th.
“We have a strong German team. Three players were already in Brazil in the qualifying round,” said Schüttler, who plans to award the team’s fifth place at a later date. “The players have all already gained experience in the Billie Jean King Cup and shown what qualities they have.”
Rainer Schüttler relies on Jule Niemeier
Compared to the 3-1 win in Brazil in April, Angelique Kerber and Anna-Lena Friedsam are missing. Kerber ended her career after the Olympic Games in Paris, Friedsam is still working on her comeback after an injury.
After her recent good performances, Schüttler is expecting a lot from Niemeier, who was not in Brazil. “With her recent results, she has gained a lot of self-confidence and regained her belief in herself,” said Schüttler. “That is important for her, but also for our team. She has already beaten much higher-ranked opponents in the Billie Jean King Cup and is also versatile in singles and doubles.”
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