The Philippines absorbed another hard loss in the ongoing 2017 Fed Cup Asia-Oceania Group I Pool B action, 0-3, against Japan, Thursday afternoon [Manila time] at the National Tennis Centre, Astana, Kazakhstan.
Khim Iglupas tried to keep in step with Naomi Osaka in the first singles match, but the Japanese took control of the match with a 6-2, 6-1 win. Iglupas’ service forsake her as she only mustered 53 percent of first serves, committing six double faults.
Katharina Lehnert suffered the same fate as she lost to Misaki Doi in the second singles with a similar 2-6, 1-6 scoreline. Service efficiency also dictated the match, as Doi put in 61 percent on first serves compared to Lehnert’s 43 percent.
Shuko Aoyama and Eri Hozumi then completed the sweep for the East Asians in yet another 6-2, 6-1 sweep of Iglupas and Clarice Patrimonio.
The Filipinas will try to end the slump when they face fellow promoted India on Friday, February 10, at the same venue.
