British Tennis - Lawn Tennis Association

The AEGON GB Fed Cup Team have defeated Israel 3-0 in the Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Euro/Africa Zone Group I competition.

Anne Keothavong was first up against Julia Glushko who she defeated 6-2, 6-1.

After the match, Keothavong said: “I felt my opponent was very erratic today. I felt pretty comfortable out there. The crowd were obviously quite vocal for the home team but it was an enjoyable experience and I was pleased to be on and off the court fairly quickly."

"I felt the pressure a little bit, as being the first match on, we still had everything to play for so I did feel the nerves. But it was a great opportunity and I just had to focus on my own tennis and now we’re through to the play-offs, with a realistic chance of making the next stages which is everything we’d hoped for coming into this tournament. Bring it on!”

Elena Baltacha was next up against Shahar Peer and battled back in the second set to take the match 6-4, 6-3.

On reflection of her match Baltacha commented: “Again it was such an amazing evening. It’s definitely one I’m going to remember for a long time, it was just incredible. We knew going into the match that it was going to be very difficult. They’ve got good players and as well, we knew that the crowd were going to be really loud, so we knew that we had quite a job to do but we managed to do it."

"As for my match, I was very pleased to come through against Shahar, especially to win the second set with six games on the trot was amazing. For me it showed what I am capable of and that’s really exciting. Once I’d won that match point, tears just came straight to my eyes, I had the biggest lump in my throat. But we’ve got one more to go, and we’re going to give it our absolute all.” 

Laura Robson & Heather Watson were also in action in the doubles against Julia Glushko & Keren Shlomo who they defeated 6-2, 6-1.

Pleased with the result, AEGON GB Fed Cup Team Captain Judy Murray said: “All our girls have played every day and they’ve proved now that they’re a winning team. Again today they showed some fantastic competitive spirit and have done tremendously well to get through as group winners. We were all delighted, and it definitely showed at the end of Bally’s match when it all got very emotional. 

“Today, playing in the environment with the home crowd, you’re not just battling your opponent you’re also battling the crowd so it’s a real kind of mental challenge, and our players rose to it very well. The way the matches have worked, everybody is feeling fresh and lively and we are very much looking forward to facing Austria. Coming into this competition, I had hoped that we could be in this position, competing in the play-offs, and we’re so close now.” 

After victories over Portugal, Netherlands and now Israel, the British team have topped their group and will play Austria in the play-offs on Saturday at 1.30pm GMT. The winner of that match will progress to the World Group II play-offs in April 2012.