France Defeats Sweden in BJK Cup

While waiting for the Billie Jean King Cup World Group qualifiers this weekend, other nations are fighting to retain their place in Group I (the second division), and France is among them. Julien Benneteau’s team played their first match on Tuesday against Sweden in Vilnius, Lithuania.

The French team, relegated from the World Group last year after a loss to Colombia, faced the Scandinavian nation with the ambition of securing their first win in this three-team pool.

First on the court, Clara Burel defeated 18-year-old Nellie Taraba Wallberg, ranked 974th in the world, in straight sets (6-2, 7-5).
Next, Varvara Gracheva secured the second point for France by beating Lisa Zaar, ranked 572nd (6-2, 6-3).

Even before the doubles match—where Benneteau will field Diane Parry and Alizé Cornet—France is already guaranteed victory. On Wednesday, the French team will face Turkey, and a win will be enough to secure first place in the group.

If that happens, France will play another match on Friday against the runner-up of Group C, which includes Greece, Hungary, and Belgium. This match will determine whether France qualifies for the November playoffs.

Only then, if all goes well, could France return to the elite of world tennis next year.