Australia stunned Belgium, Russia eliminated Canada at 2021 Billie Jean Cup finals Openers
Russia brought Canada to earth by winning their Billie Jean King Cup tie 3-0 on Tuesday in Prague.
Canada's confidence was boosted the day before when it upset defending champion France, but Russia with its players in the top 50 was too strong.
Daria Kasatkina eased past Carol Zhao in straight sets, and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova clinched the win overcoming Rebecca Marino 6-4, 4-6, 6-2.
Russia's dominance was completed in the doubles where Veronika Kudermetova and Liudmila Samsonova defeated Gabriela Dabrowski and Marino 6-3, 6-1.
In Group B, 2019 runner-up Australia opened its account beating Belgium 2-0.
After Daria Gavrilova’s three-set win over Greet Minnen, the 131st-ranked Storm Sanders on debut came from a set down to stun 18th-ranked Elise Mertens 3-6, 7-6 (5), 6-0. Sanders converted her second match point with the last of her 35 winners.
Australia next plays Belarus on Thursday. Belgium beat Belarus 2-1 on Monday.
Later Tuesday, the United States got started against Slovakia, while Germany played Switzerland.
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