Sanders, Tomljanovic lead Aussies to victory over Slovakia in BJK Cup opener

Team Australia is off to a fast start at this year’s Billie Jean King Cup finals thanks to victories from Storm Sanders and Ajla Tomljanovic on Tuesday in Glasgow.

The green and gold, semi-finalists at last year’s BJK Cup, defeated Slovakia 2-1 behind stellar opening day performances form Sanders (6-4, 6-3 over Viktoria Kuzmova) and Tomljanovic (6-1, 6-2 over Anna Karolina Schmeidlova).

Slovakia took the doubles tilt, as Kuzmova and Tereza Mihalikova defeated Ellen Perez and Sanders 2-6, 6-3, 10-6.

What makes Australia a lethal force at BJK Cup? Team spirit, says Tomjlanovic.

“I think because we have such a good team spirit. In our country, you know, we love sport,” the world No 33 said. “We love camaraderie, team events. I think a lot of our players thrive in this environment.

“That kind of makes you want it even more when you’re part of a squad like that.”

Sanders, who won two matches in singles at last year’s BJK Cup finals, including her biggest career win by ranking over Elise Mertens, feels similarly.

“I think these team environments, I love them,” she said. “They are honestly my favorite weeks of the year. We have such a great team. We have such great team chemistry. Not just the players but the staff as well. We have a lot of fun. That’s the most important thing.”

Australia can seal semi-final qualification in Group B at the BJK Cup finals if they defeat Belgium on Thursday.

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