Great Britain, Spain, and Ukraine have earned their places in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in September, joining host nation China, reigning champions Italy, and Kazakhstan. These three nations secured their spots after winning their respective group stage matches on the second to last day of the qualifiers.
Elina Svitolina played a crucial role in leading Ukraine to their first ever Finals appearance. Her victory over Switzerland`s Jil Teichmann (6-4, 6-2) in their match contributed to Ukraine`s overall 2-1 win in Group E. Svitolina`s crucial win came after Marta Kostyuk was surprisingly defeated by 19-year-old Celine Naef, despite a significant ranking difference. Svitolina demonstrated her composure by winning the final three games of the first set and five of the last six to secure the victory.
Svitolina expressed her pride in her team, stating, “I’m very proud of all the team to bring us to the Finals. We’ve been waiting so long for this moment, to play there, and try to have a chance to win the World Cup. I knew I had to win to bring us to the Finals, I was trying to focus on one point, one game at a time. I’m very happy with my level and how I hold my nerves.”
This win was not only a national milestone but also a personal achievement for Svitolina. It marked her 17th Billie Jean King Cup singles win, tying her with Elena Tatarkova for the most Billie Jean King Cup singles wins for Ukraine.
Nadiia Kichenok and Katarina Zavatska completed an undefeated week for Ukraine by winning their doubles match against Naef and Susan Bandecchi (6-4, 3-6, [10-5]).
In The Hague, Great Britain secured their place in the Finals for the third time in four years thanks to a decisive doubles victory. Katie Boulter and Jodie Burrage, an unexpected pairing, achieved a 6-2, 6-2 win over Demi Schuurs and Suzan Lamens to win the tie. After each team won a singles match – Sonay Kartal defeated Eva Vedder in three sets, and Lamens defeated Boulter in straight sets – captain Anne Keothavong chose to substitute her originally nominated doubles team for Boulter and Burrage.
Keothavong commented on her decision: `You’ve got to take your chances, and for me as captain I had confidence in these two. The way they delivered today seals that.`
Spain caused an upset against host nation Czechia, with both Cristina Busca and Jessica Bouzas Maniero defeating higher-ranked opponents. Bucsa, recently crowned WTA 250 doubles champion in Bogota and ranked No. 94 globally, defeated Marie Bouzkova (No. 58) 7-5, 6-1. Bouzas Maniero, a BJK Cup debutante ranked No. 69, then overcame Linda Noskova (No. 33) 6-4, 6-2.
In other matches on Saturday, a revamped U.S. team defeated Denmark in Group C, despite Denmark missing World No. 21 Clara Tauson. This victory sets up a decisive match against hosts Slovakia for a spot in the Finals. Hailey Baptiste and Bernarda Pera, both new to the team, secured singles wins against Rebecca Munk Mortensen and Johanne Svendsen. Desirae Krawczyk and Asia Muhammad then won their doubles match to complete the sweep. Canada will compete against Japan in Group A for the final remaining Finals spot.
