Analysis – Tennis correspondent Russell Fuller
The belief exuded by this Great Britain team does not feel like bluff. They have now won seven of their past eight ties and reached the semi-finals three times in four years.
But to beat the United States would be by far the greatest achievement of Anne Keothavong’s captaincy.
To do so, GB may need to channel the spirit of Katie Boulter at the United Cup on New Year’s Eve in 2023.
In her only previous meeting with world number seven Jessica Pegula, Boulter recovered from a set and 3-0 down in Perth to win the match in mesmerising style.
There were the expected forehand winners, but also many points won at the net by Boulter and some staunch defence.
Boulter was playing with a lot of freedom and confidence at the time. She entered these Finals with just one win in seven matches and little confidence in her serve.
She says she feels like “a new version” of herself after some time at home and making changes to that service action, and it will have to be the very best version if she is to prove a match for Pegula’s aggressive ball striking.
The American does everything exceptionally well and will move Boulter around the court. Pegula has three titles, five finals and a US Open semi-final to her name this year.
