BENGALURU: Slovenia made a strong start to their Billie Jean King Cup Play-off campaign in Bengaluru on Friday, taking a 2-0 lead over the Netherlands after hard-fought singles wins from Tamara Zidansek and Kaja Juvan.

In the opening match, world No. 162 Zidansek delivered a composed performance to defeat the higher-ranked Arantxa Rus (No. 139) 6-1, 7-6 (8-6). The Slovenian set the tone early with a break to lead 3-1 and maintained control throughout a dominant first set. She again raced ahead 2-0 in the second, but Rus responded with improved aggression, levelling at 5-5 before breaking to move ahead 6-5. Zidansek steadied herself, forcing a tie-break and edging it to seal the straight-sets victory.

“I’m really happy. I came out playing great tactically and hitting my shots well. In the

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