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Arina Rodionova has fought back from a set down against Giuliana Olmos at Pat Rafter Arena for her first victory in the team competition.
Brisbane, 12 April 2024 | Dan Imhoff
Arina Rodionova has made a triumphant return to the Billie Jean King Cup fold, surviving free-swinging Mexican Giuliana Olmos at Pat Rafter Arena in her first outing for Australia in eight years.
The 34-year-old dug her way back from a set down against an opponent better known for her doubles exploits 3-6 6-3 6-1 in two hours and three minutes.
It gave the hosts a 1-0 lead in their qualifying tie on Friday ahead of Daria Saville’s showdown with Marcela Zacarias.
“I’m just so happy to be back on this court,” Rodionova said. “Listen it was such a great match. [Giuliana] played amazing. I just did my best to just stay in the match and hoped I got a chance somewhere… I’m just so happy that I could help out the team a little bit.
“[Sam Stosur] was just telling me to do what I do best and keep fighting for every point and things are going to turn and they did.”
> READ: Saville to replace injured Hunter on Day One at Brisbane
Olmos, who rose as high as world No.6 doubles but contested just one singles match on tour last season, played with the freedom of nothing to lose for the opening set and a half.
The 31-year-old Mexican’s sustained aggression – particularly on the backhand – robbed her opponent of time and her consistency only compounded pressure as she seized the early initiative and momentum.
Rodionova had to bide her time and after eight break point chances finally converted for 5-3 in the second set.
After serving out a 53-minute second set she never looked back and reeled off nine of the final 10 games of the match.
The win marked Rodionova’s first victory for Australia, having fallen in he only prior singles clash and a dead doubles rubber in ties against Slovakia and the United States respectively in 2016.
The two-day Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge Qualifier tie, which sees Australia take on Mexico, is on Friday 12 April and Saturday 13 April.
Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster, with adult prices starting at $20, concessions from $16, kids from $5 and family passes (two adults and two children) starting at $45.
> BUY NOW: Billie Jean King Cup tickets
Find your way to play: Visit play.tennis.com.au to get out on court and have some fun!
More to come…
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