There are major setbacks for the Swedish national team ahead of this weekend’s play-off match against Great Britain. After Swedish Rebecca Petersson withdrew her offer, Miriam Björklund did the same.
-I always knew if it was 50/50 because I knew they were both withdrawn due to injuries. It has been a race against time and this time it is not in our favor. They did everything they could to try to come back, not least for the sake of their careers, national team captain Johanna Larsson tells SVT Sport.
Larsson was in constant contact with Bjorklund during rehabilitation.
– Communication was good from the beginning. I know she did it all. It’s just boring. She wanted to play and help Sweden.
“I think our chances are good.”
With both Bjorklund and Pettersson gone, Sweden enters the match with an unbeaten team to say the least. The tournament is equivalent to the men’s Davis Cup. Sweden must defeat Great Britain to play a decisive game for a qualifying spot in the elite division of the Billie Jean King Trophy.
-I think our chances are good. We believe this is possible. Sure, we’re underdogs, but we’re fully focused on what we can impact. We must not forget that this gives the younger player an opportunity that might not otherwise have been available. It’s a positive thing, says Johanna Larsson.
SVT broadcasts the Billie Jean King Cup.
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