ÖTV with the best line-up against Ukraine

The Austrian team for the start of the play-offs in the Billie Jean King Cup against Ukraine has provisionally been determined.

As ÖTV announced in a broadcast on Friday, captain Marion Maruska sent the strongest selection consisting of Sinja Kraus (WTA No. 209), Tamira Paszek (360), Tamara Kostic (484) and Julia Grabher (577) into the duel.

This means that the four best ÖTV players in the WTA rankings will be on the 16th/17th. November in McKinney (Texas), USA. Maruska decided not to add a fifth player because “there is only one training place on site and it is simply easier with four players”.

Four Ukrainians in the top 55

A mammoth task awaits Ukraine, which will only announce its squad when the deadline expires on Friday afternoon. In singles, four players are among the top 55 in the world rankings. These are Marta Kostyuk (17), Elina Monfils (formerly Svitolina) (25), Dayan Yastremska (36) and Anhelina Kalinina (55).

“Of course it will be a very difficult task, that has to be said. But we are positive that we can come with the best team and challenge Ukraine,” said Maruska.

Two years ago, Austria made it to the qualifying round, but there was nothing to be gained against the USA. After a 2:3 win against Mexico, we went to Europe/Africa Group I.

In this, the ÖTV team sensationally came second among twelve strong nations, which gave them a chance to make it to the qualifying round for the final tournament in 2025.