From Moscow, with love: Russia win Billie Jean King Cup

Prague: Russia won both singles matches to defeat Switzerland 2-0 in the final of the Billie Jean King Cup to claim the trophy for the fifthz time. Liudmila Samsonova rallied to capture the decisive point with a 3-6 6-3 6-4 victory over Tokyo Olympics singles champion Belinda Bencic. “It’s too many emotions now,” Samsonova said. “It’s unbelievable. I’m unbelievably happy.” Daria Kasatkina gave Russia a 1-0 lead with a 6-2 6-4 victory against Jil Teichmann. Samsonova broke the Swiss star in the opening game of the final set and held on to serve it out when Bencic’s backhand sailed long. Bencic stayed calm in the opening set against the big-hitting Russian, who produced 16 unforced errors compared to her three, and got the key break in the eighth game. Samsonova improved in the second set, hitting 14 winners before serving it out. The 22-year-old Samsonova beat Sloane Stephens 1-6 6-4 6-3 and teamed up with Veronika Kudermetova to win the doubles in Friday’s semifinals against the United States on her debut for Russia. ap

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