Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro secured Lindsay Davenport’s unbeaten start as Billie Jean King Cup captain with thrilling come-from-behind victories in Friday’s Qualifier against Belgium.
Facing off against their determined Belgian counterparts, both Pegula and Navarro battled back from a set down, giving the U.S. team a commanding 2-0 lead at the USTA National Campus in Lake Nona, Florida, setting the stage for a decisive Saturday.
“Couldn’t be more proud of my two ladies up here tonight,” said team captain Davenport. “We knew the Belgians were going to be tough. We weren’t worried about rankings or ages or anything.”
Pegula, currently ranked world No.5, overcame a spirited challenge from 19-year-old Sofia Costoulas, once a world junior No.2 and now ranked No.279 in the WTA rankings. The American triumphed 4-6 6-2 6-3 in Friday night’s opening singles match.
Navarro, making her Billie Jean King Cup debut, displayed remarkable composure to defeat Hanne Vandewinkel, also 19 years old and ranked No.278, after being down a set and 2-4, points to go down 3-5 in the second. Navarro fought back to claim victory with a score of 4-6 6-4 6-3.
Interestingly, during the match the 22-year-old American had her first ever injury timeout. “I’m…
