The team will contest a World Group II play-off tie in April
Cluj-Napoca, Romania, February 11, 2018 – Canada needed a perfect day on Sunday after losing the first two singles matches of their Fed Cup by BNP Paribas World Group II first round tie against Romania in Cluj-Napoca. But, Irina-Camelia Begu, the home team’s no. 1 player this weekend, defeated Katherine Sebov (Toronto) 6-2. 6-4 to give her country the victory.
Canadian captain Sylvain Bruneau decided make a change for the third singles matches, opting for Sebov over Carol Zhao (Richmond Hill) against Begu who ultimately defeated the Canadian in one hour, 25 minutes. The Romanian, ranked no. 37 in the world, earned her first break early in the match to set the tone. Despite a push from Sebov in the second set to 3-3, Begu was dominant throughout en route to earning her second point for her team in the tie after defeating Andreescu on Saturday. Romania advances to the World Group I play-offs in April.
For Sebov, who made her Fed Cup debut last year in the Americas Zone Group I event, this is her first singles loss in Fed Cup and her record now stands at 4-2.
Canada avoided the sweep by winning the doubles match as Gabriela Dabrowski (Ottawa) and Zhao defeated the Romanian duo of Ana Bogdan and Raluca Olaru 4-6, 6-1, 10-6.
“We knew it was going to be difficult. At least it was an opportunity for our team to play at a very high level in front of a big crowd. This is the kind of experience that will help our young team to grow for future ties,” said Bruneau.
Canada will now contest a play-off tie on April 21 and 22 to try and keep their place in World Group II for 2019. The draw to determine their next opponents will be held on Tuesday February 13. A win in this tie means that Canada would remain in World Group II while a loss would relegate them to Americas Zone Group I for next year.
Match Results
Fed Cup by BNP Paribas World Group II first round tie
Canada vs. Romania
February 10-11, 2018
Sala Polivalenta Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca
Score 3-1
| Date | Match | Result |
| Saturday February 10 | First singles match | Cirstea b. Zhao 6-2, 6-2 |
| Saturday February 10 | Second singles match | Begu b. Andreescu 6-3, 6-7(4), 6-2 |
| Sunday February 11 | Third singles match | Begu b. Sebov 6-2, 6-4 |
| Sunday February 11 | Doubles match | Dabrowski/Zhao b. Bogdan/Olaru 4-6, 6-1, 10-6 |
Fed Cup by BNP Paribas is the biggest women’s team sporting event in the world with 98 countries competing in 2018. Founded in 1963, the competition is celebrating its 55th anniversary this year.
