Host Japan won its first Group A tie of the Billie Jean King Cup women’s team tennis qualifiers 3-0 against Romania on Saturday.
Ena Shibahara and Moyuka Uchijima won their singles matches to give Japan an insurmountable lead before Shuko Aoyama and Eri Hozumi added a doubles victory at Tokyo’s Ariake Colosseum.
Japan’s Ena Shibahara returns a shot to Romania’s Miriam Bulgaru during their Group A tie in the Billie Jean King Cup women’s team tennis qualifiers on April 12, 2025, at Tokyo’s Ariake Colosseum. (Kyodo)
Shibahara did not give up a service break on her way to a 7-5, 6-2 win over Miriam Bulgaru. Uchijima came from a set down to beat Anca Todoni 3-6, 7-6(3), 6-2.
Aoyama and Hozumi defeated Ilinca Amariei and Mara Gae 6-4, 6-2.
Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima reacts after winning her match against Romania’s Anca Todoni during their Group A tie in the Billie Jean King Cup women’s team tennis qualifiers on April 12, 2025, at Tokyo’s Ariake Colosseum. (Kyodo)
On Sunday, Japan and Canada will meet for a spot in the eight-team finals to be played in September in Shenzhen, China.
Romania’s loss coupled with its defeat to Canada on Friday saw it eliminated from the competition.
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