By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Saturday April 16, 2022
Team Ukraine showed its steel on Saturday in Asheville, but Team USA closed it its victory in a deciding doubles rubber.
Photo Source: USTA
Team USA staved off a furious rally from Ukraine, holding firm in the doubles to clinch a spot in the Billie Jean King Cup Final by notching a 3-2 win over the visitors.
With the Americans threatening to sweep on Saturday in Asheville, Ukraine showed its strength by rallying on the singles court.
Dayana Yastremska put Ukraine on the comeback trail by notching a 6-3, 6-4 victory over 14th-ranked Jessica Pegula, and Ukraine wasn’t finished yet. Katarina Zavatska, the World No.201, pushed past World No.46 Shelby Rogers, 6-3, 6-4.
The tie came down to the doubles and Pegula regrouped and joined forces with Asia Muhammad to clinch the victory for Team USA with a 7-6(5), 6-3 triumph.
Playing for Ukraine Relief
Thanks to generous contributions of many, over $225,000 was raised for the Ukraine Relief Fund this weekend in Asheville.
Ten percent of ticket revenues, plus many individual contributions will go to the Tennis Plays for Peace initiative. The list of Billie Jean King Cup sponsors, as well as the partners and friends of American tennis, who used this weekend as a platform to donate include:
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Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss
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BNP Paribas
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Deloitte
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Fiur Productions
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Flow Automotive
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Harrah's Cherokee Resorts
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Hawk-Eye Innovations
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Ingles Markets
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New Belgium Brewing Company
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Mark Ein
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SMT
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The USTA and USTA Foundation
Donations can be made at TennisPlaysForPeace.com.