U.S. Facing Fed Cup Elimination

Facing almost certain defeat in the Fed Cup finals after falling behind Spain 2-0, American captain Billie Jean King kept her sense of humor.

“No problema,” King joked after Spain’s Conchita Martinez defeated Chanda Rubin 7-5, 7-6 (7-3) and Arantxa Sanchez Vicario beat Mary Joe Fernandez 6-3, 6-2.

“We’ll have a team meeting,” King added, pausing to milk another laugh with her limited Spanish. “Muy pronto.”

Rubin and Fernandez also laughed, seeming relieved even though they know defeat for the U.S. team loomed on the slow, red-clay court.

Spain can clinch its third straight Fed Cup title by winning either of today’s singles (Martinez vs. Fernandez and Sanchez Vicario vs. Rubin) or the doubles.