Romania’s women tennis team managed to beat Canada on its own court and qualified to the world group of Fed Cup. Romania pulled this performance without its biggest star, the world’s number three Simona Halep, and with an injured Irina Begu.

It was Alexandra Dulgheru, number 69 in the WTA ranking, who shined this time. She beat Canada’s arrogant star Eugenie Bouchard (no. 7 WTA) on Saturday, in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4, after Bouchared refused to shake hands with the Romanian prior to the match.

On Sunday, Andreea Mitu (no. 104 WTA) also managed to overpower Bouchard in three sets, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1, while Dulgheru sealed the deal beating Francoise Abanda (no. 260 WTA) in three sets (3-6, 7-5, 6-2).

Romania thus won the encounter in Canada by three matches to two, after losing the doubles match and the first match, which Irina Begu lost to Francoise Abanda. Romania last played in Fed Cup’s world group in 1992, but at that time there were 16 teams, instead of 8.

editor@romania-insider.com

(photo source: Alexandra Dulgheru on Facebook)