Bertens masterclass puts Netherlands ahead against China

A long awaited victory for Kiki Bertens has given the Netherlands the much desired 1-0 lead against China, P.R. in the Billie Jean King Cup by BNP Paribas Play-off in 's-Hertogenbosch.

The Dutch No. 1 notched her first match win since Roland Garros last year by moving past 19-year-old Billie Jean King Cup debutant and world No. 146 Wang Xinyu 6-2 6-0.

Bertens underwent achilles surgery in October 2020 - soon after her fourth round exit in Paris - and didn't return to the tour until March 2021. It's fitting that after three consecutive losses on hardcourts (Doha, Dubai and Miami), the world No. 11 has found her feet in an entirely orange environment while representing her country on her favourite surface (indoor clay).

A double break of serve in both sets allowed Bertens to relax enough and employ her famous clay court guile against the powerful strokes of her inexperienced opponent.

Bertens improved her already stunning Billie Jean King Cup singles record to 21-2. Another win this weekend and the former world No. 4 will equal Betty Stöve's record for most Billie Jean King Cup singles matches won by a Dutch player.

Arantxa Rus has the opportunity to bring the Netherlands another step closer to the Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers when she faces fellow lefty Wang Xiyu in the second match on Friday.