The Swiss and Benčič accused the Russian team of fraud. Learn to play, say the winners – ŠPORT.sk

What actually happened in Prague? As expected, the first singles in the final was dominated by Daria Kasatkin, who defeated Jil Belen Teichmann 6: 2, 6: 4. Units of both teams – Belinda Bencicová and Anastasia Pavlučenkovová on the Russian side – were to take part in the second singles.

Twenty minutes before the start, however, Russian captain Igor Andreyev took the opportunity to change and instead of the world twelve Pavluchenko, he sent to the court the fifth to top Russian player according to the WTA ranking, Ludmila Samsonova. And she gave Benec the first ever loss in the final tournament in Prague.

She won 3: 6, 6: 3, 6: 4 and secured the Russians the fifth title in history. The Russian captain justified the omission of Pavluchenko from the line-up at the last minute due to an injury to his left knee.

“They played very well and deserved to win. But I don’t like that they changed the line-up at the last minute and exchanged the unit for a four. Some may consider it a wise move, but I think it’s nonsense.

If she’s really hurt, it’s unfortunate. However, if they did it on purpose, it is cheating. I only take it if the Russian captain tells me that she was injured twenty minutes before the match. However, it is strange that she could have played before and suddenly she was injured just before the match, “ commented by Heinz Günthardt on the iDnes.cz website.

“To be honest, I think it was ugly from the opponent. But I believe he will win well. We will return and win this competition.” added Bencicová.

Disappointed Belinda Benčivá (center), Jil Teichmannová (right) and team captain Heinz Guenthardt (left)

Source: SITA / AP

The Russian side defended itself by saying that Pavluchenko had had knee problems for a long time, but nevertheless played three matches in Prague. “She played two tough matches in three days and it left traces on her. She wanted to play, but during the warm-up before the final she felt that she was not 100% ready. That’s why we finally changed the nomination,” explained Russian captain Andreyev, a former 18th player in the ATP rankings.

“I felt my knee the night before the match, but I wanted to try it. I believed it would work, but during the warm-up it started to hurt even more. I couldn’t even serve.” revealed Pavlučenkovová.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t play, but the important thing is that our players did it without me. And I refer to the Swiss that losses are also part of the sport and we need to learn to accept them.” added 30-year-old Russia.