THE 2021 Junior Billie Jean King Cup champion has been decided, with the Czech Republic coming away with a fifth title – and first since 2015 – at Club Mega Saray in Antalya, Turkey on the weekend. The top-seeded Czechs were virtually unstoppable throughout the event, claiming wins in 14 of 15 matches and sweeping Japan to take out the cup.

Both nations barrelled through to the final after comprehensive semi-final victories, with Czech Republic favourites Brenda Fruhvirtova, Nikola Bartunkova and Sara Bejlek overcoming Germany 2-0 – missing top ranked Bartunkova in the process – while Japan’s Ena Koike, Sara Saito and Sayaka Ishii defeated second seeded Russia in the best of three, proving too strong in the doubles clash. The final saw the Czechs sweep the contest once more, with Bartunkova cleared to play doubles if required, before the dominance of Fruhvirtova and Bejlek proved too good.

“To be taking the trophy home feels great,” Fruhvirtova told itftennis.com. “To be taking it home again, two years after winning in the 14-and-under age category and to now be the best team at under-16 level just makes me really happy.

“It has been a really amazing week and the team has had so much fun. “Usually, we play by ourselves, but this is a team competition, and we don’t get to play as a team for most of the year. “It was really fun and I cannot wait for the next event like this.”

The 14-year-old was the youngest at the tournament but played well above her years, and had little issue disposing of Saito in a 6-1 6-3 blitz. Left-hander Bejlek was not phased in the first set by Ishii, storming through the first and leading 4-2 in the second before the 16-year-old Japanese talent bit back, forcing a tiebreaker. But with the trophy on the line, the Czech talent held strong to retain the lead and win 6-2 7-6(7).

“It is an amazing feeling because it is a big tournament,” Bejlek said. “I am so happy to be here and to be experiencing this. Some matches were easier than others. I was a little nervous today, but I am so happy to get my nation over the line.”

Czech captain David Skoch was proud of the team, explaining that they overcame the challenge despite injuries and illness, and has plenty of confidence in their future potential on the senior tour.

“I am really proud – that is exactly how I am feeling right now,” Skoch said. “I am especially proud because my girls were not feeling 100 per cent this week. “They had some injuries, but they fought hard and they did it.

“Winning this tournament will motivate them a lot and becoming the best team in the world is a big motivation for them. “But they have to work really hard all the time and we’ll see what the future brings.

“That said, all three girls are really good and I think they will have a good chance to go really high in the WTA rankings. “Let’s hope they do it really soon.”

The Czech trio overcame Peru, Egypt, Argentina, Mexico and Germany, before only Japan stood in their way.

Final placings:

1. Czech Republic
2. Japan
3. Russia
4. Germany
5. Canada
6. Morocco
7. Peru
8. Mexico
9. Thailand
10. Romania
11. Turkey
12. Hungary
13. Chile
14. Argentina
15. Egypt
16. Hong Kong

Picture credit: Corinne Dubreuil