Rybakina to spearhead Kazakhstan’s Billie Jean King Cup finals hopes against Germany

Rybakina, who turned the primary Kazakhstani participant in historical past to succeed in the highest 20 again in 2020, returns to the competitors 12 months after making her Billie Jean King Cup debut.

On her nation’s final outing as a crew, the 22-year-old right-hander suffered a shock loss to Maria Lourdes Carle earlier than bouncing again to defeat Nadia Podoroska throughout Kazakhstan’s eventual 3-2 overcome Argentina within the 2021 play-offs in Cordoba.

World No. 47 Yulia Putintseva, No. 110 Zarina Diyas, doubles world No. 22 Anna Danilina and doubles world No. 297 Zhibek Kulambayeva full Yarloslava Shvedova’s line-up for the upcoming conflict.

The crew is a carbon copy of the aspect that triumphed within the play-offs final 12 months, however for the addition of 21-year-old Kulambayeva instead of now-captain Shvedova (who hung up her racket for good in October final 12 months).

“I believe that younger folks have to be given a possibility,” stated Shevodva of Kulambayeva’s inclusion. “They need to see that everybody has an opportunity to get into the primary crew of the nation.”

Victory over two-time champions Germany would see Kazakhstan obtain their finest efficiency up to now and earn a spot within the Billie Jean King Cup Finals for the primary time, and Shvedova, for one, is optimistic of their possibilities.

“Germany has an important expertise and a balanced squad, however we play on house floor in entrance of our followers,” she added. “It’s a vital benefit for us to get to the ultimate stage.”