SEVILLE (Reuters) – A landmark win was secured by teenager Marina Stakusic when she defeated Italy’s Martina Trevisan in the opening singles match in Seville on Sunday, putting Canada in a strong position to win the Billie Jean King Cup.
Despite being ranked 258th in the WTA rankings, Stakusic managed to outplay her opponent, who is ranked 43, with a display of composure, winning 7-5 6-3.
Although Stakusic faced a moment of tension when four match points slipped away as Trevisan served at 2-5, she persisted and sealed the victory with a powerful off forehand winner.
After her win, Stakusic expressed her happiness and honor, acknowledging that this week has been the best of her life. Remarkably, Stakusic had not even played a WTA main draw match this year.
Canada, a team that has never won the women’s team event, previously named the Fed Cup, or made the final, is now on the brink of a historic triumph.
Leylah Fernandez, a former U.S. Open runner-up, will have the opportunity to seal the win for Canada if she beats Jasmine Paolini in the second singles match. If Paolini wins, the decision will come down to the doubles match.
The news was reported by Martyn Herman and edited by Hugh Lawson.
