A struggling Emma Raducanu misplaced the opener on day two of Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup qualifier within the Czech Republic, which means Harriet Dart should win her match to maintain the tie alive.
Raducanu misplaced 6-1 6-1 to 2019 French Open finalist Marketa Vondrousova – and was hampered by a blister on her foot – in chilly situations on the Prague clay.
Dart performs teenager Linda Fruhvirtova within the second singles match.
If Dart wins, the best-of-five tie goes to a doubles decider in a while Saturday.
Vondrousova’s win means the Czechs, who’ve gained the match six occasions since 2011, lead 2-1 after each groups picked up one victory on Friday.
The winners will qualify for November’s finals, whereas the runners-up face a play-off tie the identical week.
Britain are among the many nations bidding to stage the finals and will additionally nonetheless qualify because the host nation.
US Open champion Raducanu, who beat Tereza Martincova on Friday to degree at 1-1, was aiming to put Britain into the lead within the tie for the primary time and provides the momentum to a new-look aspect.
But, in what was solely her second senior match on clay, the world quantity 12 got here up towards a wily opponent, who’s a pure on the floor and has proved that together with her outcomes.
Raducanu, 19, was unable to cope together with her opponent’s selection and court-craft in a one-sided first set, which lasted simply 26 minutes.
The Briton wanted to go off court docket for remedy earlier than the beginning of the second set, for a blister on her proper foot, and struggled to transfer correctly when the match resumed.
Vondrousova, ranked thirty second on this planet, moved 2-0 forward however then appeared unsettled by Raducanu’s lack of motion and misplaced focus.
Raducanu was gifted a break again, just for the Czech to refocus and win the subsequent 4 video games to seal victory in 62 minutes.
“I by no means performed in such chilly climate. I’m completely satisfied to be via,” mentioned 22-year-old Vondrousova.
“The rating seems to be simple nevertheless it was a troublesome match and she or he was a bit injured. I had to focus and I’m pleased with my sport.”
