Billie Jean King Cup

Tennis women lose despite Paszek victory

Tamira Paszek(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Austria's tennis women have lost their final Group A clash against Bulgaria 1:2 at the Europe-Africa Zone I tournament in the Billie Jean King Cup in Oeiras. Julia Grabher, Austria's number one, was unable to play on Wednesday due to an injury. She was replaced by her Vorarlberg compatriot Tamira Paszek, who promptly won 7:5, 6:2 against Lia Karatansheva. The doubles Paszek/Melanie Klaffner and Tamara Kostic lost their matches.

According to ÖTV information, Grabher's injury is not expected to be serious. The 27-year-old took a wrong step when hitting the ball and tore her back. In order not to take any unnecessary risks, Grabher was withdrawn - in accordance with the rules in such a case - and Paszek was sent onto the court. Austria had already been confirmed as the promoted team.

Julia Grabher injured herself while hitting the ball.(Bild: GEPA pictures)

"I was actually really happy that I managed my first match on clay so well and was able to get the point for the team," said the former top 30 player after her win in the singles. Kostic then lost to Isabella Shinikova 2:6, 4:6, and in the doubles the ÖTV pairing suffered a 7:6(5)-1:6-6:10 defeat against Karatansheva and Gergana Topalova.

Tamira Paszek and Melanie Klaffner(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Promotion was already fixed
The ÖTV team had already secured promotion to the play-off, which will take place in the fall, on Tuesday with a 2:1 win against Hungary. They also beat Denmark 2:1 in the opener in Portugal. Austria finally won the group ahead of the Danes.

In the remaining matches - first against Serbia on Friday - Austria still has points to play for in the national rankings. Paszek and Co. have Thursday off. "We're enjoying the team spirit and will continue to step on the gas," promised the current number 337 in the WTA rankings.