USA sweeps Belgium in Billie Jean Cup qualifying victory

After a hard fought first night during the Billie Jean Cup qualifying round at the USTA National Campus, the U.S. coasted to a 4-0 victory over Belgium yesterday. 

Above: Jessica Pegula chases down a forehand in a commanding performance at the BJKC at USTA National Campus on Saturday. Photo: Todd Pechter / Florida Tennis.

Jessica Pegula clinched the BJKC qualifying victory for the third straight year on Saturday, sending the U.S. into the Finals with a 6-2, 6-0, singles triumph over Hanne Vandewinkel in Lake Nona, FL. 

"I love being in a clinch position," explained Pegula. "I love being able to get that win. That can also be a lot of pressure. At the same time, I try to embrace it the most that I can."

Above: Victorious USA doubles team, Caroline Dolehide and Taylor Townsend shaking hands with Marie Benoit and Kimberley Zimmermann of Belgium following the completion of a 4-0 sweep by the Americans. Photo: Todd Pechter / Florida Tennis.

Caroline Dolehide and Taylor Townsend capped the tie with a 6-2, 6-1, dead doubles win over Marie Benoit and Kimberley Zimmermann, giving captain Lindsay Davenport a clean sweep in her debut tie. 

"These ladies were amazing," Davenport said. "Everything I wanted in terms of teamwork, being together, a lot of funny stuff. It was really great."

Above: In post match press conference, Lindsay Davenport expressed how pleased she was with the American team's performance, and there was obvious mutual admiration between Lindsay and the five women players who represented the USA. Photo: Todd Pechter / Florida Tennis.

The U.S. joins a 12-nation Finals field of defending champions Canada, runners-up Italy, host nation Spain, wild card Czechia and fellow Qualifiers Australia, Switzerland, Great Britain, Japan, Slovakia and the winners of Ukraine-Romania and Brazil-Germany.

The Finals will be played in November in Seville, Spain, with specific dates to be announced. 

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Written by Florida Tennis Editor and Publisher Matt Pressman (with contributions from Todd Pechter). Source: USTA. Top Photo: The US team is showered in confetti and presented with their ticket to the final rounds of the Billie Jean King Cup to the delight of the hometown crowd in attendance. Photo credit: Todd Pechter / Florida Tennis.