Jule Niemeier is the hope of German tennis players in the fight against relegation from the Billie Jean King Cup. The pressure on the woman, who is suddenly Germany’s number one, is great. The 23-year-old proved in Wimbledon and at the US Open that she can handle it.
In her last appearance with the eagle on her chest, Jule Niemeier was a talent. She traveled to Kazakhstan in April to gain experience, to watch Angelique Kerber at work – and finally even enjoyed a sense of achievement. In doubles, Niemeier took the honor point alongside Anna-Lena Friedsam to make it 1:3.
Seven months later she is the number one in the German team, the beacon of hope in the fight to stay up in the world group. Niemeier leads the selection of captain Rainer Schüttler into the difficult away game on Friday and Saturday in Croatia. Kerber’s baby break, Andrea Petkovic’s resignation and Tatjana Maria’s cancellation at short notice put great pressure on the 23-year-old.
Niemeier proved in Wimbledon and at the US Open that she can handle it. She reached the second week twice, beating top players, enjoying the atmosphere. “She wants the pressure, she wants to play on this stage,” said ex-professional Schüttler before the playoff game in Rijeka: “She’s not afraid to play for Germany on Center Court in front of a lot of spectators.”
Niemeier has only completed two appearances in the national jersey, but according to Schüttler “played extremely well in doubles”. Her breakthrough came in the summer when she reached the quarter-finals on the Wimbledon lawn. There she also noticed “that I really like the big places and I really enjoy playing against big names on the big stage,” she said in New York.
The really big numbers are not waiting in Croatia, but instead there are three possible opponents in singles who have long since proven themselves at the highest level. Petra Martic, Donna Vekic and Ana Konjuh have all been in the top 20 of the WTA world rankings. “On paper, the Croatians are favourites,” said Schüttler, but Niemeier could “beat anyone, she proved that”.
Although there were no points at Wimbledon, their success was also reflected in the ranking. Niemeier is now listed at position 61 – and the trend is rising. In Rijeka she is the undisputed leader of the German team – and the talented 20-year-old Eva Lys looks up to her. In just seven months, Niemeier’s world of tennis has changed tremendously.
