Fed Cup

04/15/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/15/2021 17:43

Italian hopes boosted with absence of Simona Halep

Cluj Napoca will host the play-off clash between Romania and Italy at the end of this week, with the winner progressing to the 2022 Billie Jean Cup Qualifiers.

The tie marks the fourth meeting between the two nations, with Italy securing victory in their most recent encounter in 1997. In Bari that year, the Italians secured a memorable comeback win, prevailing 2-1 despite losing the first match.

Now, 24 years on from that defeat, Romania is aiming to exact revenge, however captain Monica Niculescu is facing some selection problems in the team, with Simona Halep, Patricia Tig and Irina Begu all withdrawing from selection recently.

As a result, Romania will field a team made up of Irina Bara, Mihaela Buzărnescu, Gabriela Ruse as well as player-captain Monica Niculescu herself - it marks the first time in the history of the competition that Romania won't be able to call on a player ranked in the Top 100.

Two years ago, Romania posted their best result in the history of the competition, reaching the semi-finals back when it was called the Fed Cup. However since losing to France that year, things have taken a turn for the worse, and they failed to beat Russia in the qualifying stages of the Billie Jean King Cup in 2020. A loss to Italy this week would be their third defeat in a row.

Italy however have a very successful record in the competition, and have won the Billie Jean King Cup four times overall, lifting the trophy most recently in 2013. Italy are one of only four nations to have competed in every Billie Jean King Cup season, alongside Australia, France and Great Britain. They are also in a great run of form, with captain Tathiana Garbin leading her team to four wins in a row, defeating Austria, Estonia, Greece and Croatia.

Garbin has a strong team available for the Romania match, with Martina Trevisan, Jasmine Paolini, Elisabetta Cocciaretto, Giulia Gatto-Monticone and Bianca Turati all at her disposal.

The first day of competition on Friday will see Irina Bara take on Elisabetta Cocciaretto at 15:30 local time (1:30 pm GMT), with Mihaela Buzărnescu facing Martina Trevisan in the second match of the day.

The reverse single matches are scheduled for Saturday, at 14:00 local time (12:00 GMT). The tie will end with the doubles match of Monica Niculescu / Gabriela Ruse playing Jasmine Paolini / Giulia Gatto-Monticone.

Niculescu said: 'I am honoured to be captain for the first time. The team was going through a difficult time, so I chose to help. Even if we have a few absent players, we rely on good players. I'm happy that I have a lot of options for the doubles match.'

Ruse added: 'I was called to join the team after Simona Halep got injured. I was sad for her, I wish her a speedy recovery. For me is so important to train everyday with my colleagues, to represent Romania in the Billie Jean King Cup. I am a nationalist and I love my country. I will play the doubles match, but I am ready to play even in singles if the team needs me.'

Garbin said: 'Honestly, we are very happy that Simona (Halep) is not playing. We are definitely not happy that she got injured, but happy that we don't have to play against her. Even without Simona we expect a tough match against Romania.'

Cocciaretto added: 'I remember my first match in Billie Jean King Cup last year in Estonia. It was great, for me was a dream to play one day for the Italian team. I am honoured and grateful to play tomorrow and Saturday.'

Trevisan said: 'The year hasn't started in the way that I wanted, but I have a lot more experience now. I keep on working everyday and I am ready for the first match tomorrow. I feel great to be here with the girls and competing in Billie Jean King Cup for Italy.'