Australia is thru to the Billie Jean King Cup finals after 18-year-old Taylah Preston crushed Mexico’s Marcela Zacarias 6-1 6-1 at Brisbane’s Pat Rafter Enviornment.
Preston’s win on Saturday afternoon gave Australia an unassailable 3-0 lead within the qualifying tie.
“It was very particular to have the ability to win the tie for Australia to qualify for the finals,” Preston mentioned.
“Clearly having the ability to put on the inexperienced and gold … [is] extraordinarily particular for me, and hopefully it isn’t my [only] time and I get to put on it many extra instances.”
“I used to be just a little extra nervous this morning [than at the Australian Open].
“Clearly I am taking part in for one thing quite a bit larger than simply myself. I am taking part in for my group. I am taking part in for my nation.”
On Friday, Australia’s Ariana Rodionova beat the unranked Giuliana Olmos 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 in simply over two hours, earlier than Daria Saville thumped Zacarias 6-1, 6-0 in 51 minutes.
On Saturday, world No.564 Zacarias rolled her ankle whereas Preston was main 4-1 within the first set.
The Mexican was in the back of the court docket, writhing in agony after sustaining the harm throughout a rally.
It appeared as if the tie was about to be wrapped up there after which, however Zacarias took a medical timeout and acquired consideration.
She confirmed nice braveness to return to the match however struggled to stretch out.
Preston, 18, demonstrated excellent composure in her debut BJK Cup look. The world No.136 misplaced her opening service sport, however then reeled off six consecutive video games.
She went after the sport and hit seven forehand and backhand winners with confidence and precision within the first set after being given her alternative within the reverse singles by captain Sam Stosur.
Preston continued on her merry means within the second set to crush her gritty opponent. After Zacarias held her opening service sport, the Aussie teenager gained the following six video games.
“That is how I wish to play, aggressively, so though I misplaced that first sport I used to be like, ‘, it is OK, that is simply the primary sport, there’s nonetheless a lot to go,'” Preston mentioned.
“It is positively not simple to play when you realize that the particular person down the opposite finish is not at their greatest.
“I simply need to deal with what I am doing on my facet. Clearly that sounds just a little harsh nevertheless it’s the fact of it. We’re in a match.”
Preston has excessive objectives for the remainder of the 12 months.
“As I begin taking part in high-level tournaments and taking part in high-ranked opponents every little thing’s going to develop into just a little bit harder,” she mentioned.
“In the meanwhile that is actually new for me. I am studying quite a bit. It might be nice to have the ability to crack the highest 100.”
Do you could have a narrative thought about ladies in sport?
Electronic mail us abcsport5050@your.abc.web.au
Stosur was thrilled with Preston’s show
“What a efficiency … unbelievable for a debut,” Stosur mentioned.
“I simply mentioned to Taylah we’re all behind her, all of us imagine in you. Benefit from the second, get out right here and play the best way we all know you possibly can play.”
Sports activities content material to make you suppose… or permit you to not. A publication delivered every Friday.
AAP
