NZ put up huge doubles fight but lose to Japan at Billie Jean King Cup

New Zealand faces must win ties against India and Indonesia if they are to stay in Asia Oceania Group 1 of the Billie Jean King Cup after losing 3-0 to Japan in Antalya, Turkey this morning.

The Kiwis were outclassed in the singles rubbers before again putting up a fight in the doubles.

Valentina Ivanov was first on court against Japan’s number 2 Yuki Naito and was soundly beaten 6-2 6-1 in an hour and 8 minutes.

Playing the number one singles Paige Hourigan proved no match for Japanese number one Moyuka Uchijima, thumped 6-0 6-1 in just 45 minutes.

“Japan played the best out of all the teams we've seen so far. Especially their number one against Paige. She’s been playing really well. It’s tough when you're playing players that are very higher caliber who are playing on the tour, have been playing Grand Slams, and our players aren't. So you have to just do the best you can with what you've got.” Erakovic said.

Hourigan then teamed up with Erin Routliffe to play the doubles rubber against Shuko Aoyama and Ena Shibahara who are one of the best pairs in the world and ranked 6^th and 8^th individually.

The Japanese pair dropped the second set before pulling away in the decider to win 6-3 4-6 6-2 in a match lasting 1 hour 59.

“They played a good match and they definitely had some chances. They didn’t dip as much and they managed to maintain their level which was awesome to see.” Erakovic said.

The third straight 3-0 defeat leaves New Zealand winless along with Indonesia who have lost to India. Victories over India tonight and Indonesia are now essential for New Zealand to avoid being relegated to Asia Oceania Group 2 for next season.

“We’ll have definitely a more of a fighting chance. The main point here is obviously to keep riding that doubles wave but to also make sure that the girls realise, today was really hard. But that doesn't mean we don't have a crack at it over the next couple of days, which we definitely do.”