In a strange quirk of fate, Nicolls and Mihalikova are regular doubles partners on the WTA Tour but today they were on opposite sides of the net. On this occasion, Mihalikova had the final word.
While Hruncakova and Mihalikova sealed victory, credit must go to Sramkova who rekindled Slovakia’s hopes and, in the process, recorded her third win of the week.
Within that time the 28-year-old has posted two triumphs against Top 30 opposition – the USA’s Danielle Collins and now Boulter – her first Billie Jean King Cup triumphs since 2017.
Slovakia have stressed all week that they are a small tennis-playing nation and have used that perceived inferiority as motivation. However, this was their third successive win against a Grand Slam-hosting nation.
They may be small, but Slovakia are making a big impression here in Malaga.