The Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers were held from April 14 to 15 in nine countries with 18 teams competing to qualify in the Finals in November.
After the qualifiers, the 9 teams will join Switzerland, last year’s champions, and the runners-up – Australia, and one wildcard in the Finals, which will take place from November 7 to 12.
Team USA played on the home court in Delray Beach in Florida. World Number 3 Jessica Pegula, secured two wins for the team, sealing their win against Austria. She had defeated Julia Grabher in straight sets 6-1 6-3 on Saturday.
“I really wanted to clinch today,” said Pegula. “It’s so much more exciting when you get to guarantee your team through.”
It was her second win in just 24 hours. Earlier, she had defeated Sinja Kraus also in straight sets. Team USA also had a win from Coco Gauff.
Caroline Garcia helped secure the win for France with a 6-1, 6-7 (10/12), 6-1 win against British Harriet Dart in the qualifiers held in Coventry.
Britain, who made it to the semifinals last year, were missing Emma Raducanu. Their top player going into the qualifiers was Dart who is World 138th.
Garcia and Alize Cornett have to play for almost six hours to beat their British opponents. Garcia faced Dart while Cornett went up against Katie Boulter and won 6-7 (2/7), 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/2).
“She (Garcia) knew the job was not done yet, yesterday evening she told me ‘I’m ready to go tomorrow’,” said France captain Julien Benneteau.
Spain’s Nuria Parrizas Diaz won against Marcela Zacarias 6-3, 6-0. She also won her singles match against Sara Sorribes Tormo to see Spain through the Finals.