The journey to the 2025 Billie Jean King Cup title commenced on Thursday, with Qualifier rounds for this year`s Finals getting underway worldwide.
This week, 18 nations are divided into six groups of three teams. The six group winners will join host nation China and defending champion Italy in the Finals of this prestigious national team competition.
Group A (venue: Tokyo, Japan) – Canada, Romania, Japan
Group B (venue: Ostrava, Czech Republic) – Czech Republic, Spain, Brazil
Group C (venue: Bratislava, Slovakia) – Slovakia, United States, Denmark
Group D (venue: Brisbane, Australia) – Australia, Kazakhstan, Colombia
Group E (venue: Radom, Poland) – Poland, Switzerland, Ukraine
Group F (venue: The Hague, Netherlands) – Great Britain, Germany, Netherlands
The dates for the Billie Jean King Cup Finals were also announced today. They will be held from September 16 – 21 at the Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre Arena in Shenzhen, China. Shenzhen will host the Finals through 2027.
Here’s a summary of Thursday`s results from the Qualifier ties (all nations are still in contention):
Group B: Czech Republic defeated Brazil 2-1
Playing at home, the Czech Republic won their first Group B tie, overcoming Brazil in singles matches decisively. Marie Bouzkova defeated Laura Pigossi 6-0, 7-6(3), and Linda Noskova defeated Beatriz Haddad Maia 6-4, 6-0.
“Having this match today is truly special, and I loved playing in front of the Czech fans,” Bouzkova said. “I loved it, and securing this point for my country is really meaningful.”
Brazil managed to secure a point when Haddad Maia and Luisa Stefani won the doubles match.
The Czechs are aiming to continue their Billie Jean King Cup legacy. They have won the title 11 times in total, second only to the United States` 18. Their most recent title was in 2018.
The Czech Republic will play Spain on Saturday. Brazil and Spain will compete tomorrow.
Group D: Kazakhstan defeated Australia 2-1
Kazakhstan secured victory in the first Group D tie after Top 25 players Elena Rybakina and Yulia Putintseva achieved singles wins against home team Australia.
Putintseva easily defeated teenager Maya Joint 6-2, 6-1 in the first match of the day. Former Wimbledon champion Rybakina faced a tougher challenge but ultimately defeated Kimberly Birrell 6-3, 7-6(4) to secure the tie.
Australia did earn the doubles point, however, with a win by Ellen Perez and former WTA Doubles World No. 1 Storm Hunter.
Kazakhstan will aim to go 2-0 in ties when they play Colombia tomorrow. Seven-time Billie Jean King Cup champion Australia, whose most recent title was in 1974, will face Colombia on Saturday.
Group E: Poland defeated Switzerland 3-0
Playing on home ground, Poland began their qualifying campaign by establishing an insurmountable 2-0 lead over 2022 champions Switzerland in Thursday`s tie.
Katarzyna Kawa, who reached the Bogota final last week as a qualifier, started with a 5-7, 6-4, 6-2 victory over Jil Teichmann. Magda Linette followed with a more comfortable win, defeating Viktorija Golubic 6-4, 6-3.
Poland completed the sweep when Martyna Kubka and Maja Chwalinska won the doubles match.
Poland is seeking their first appearance in a Billie Jean King Cup Finals championship match. They achieved their best national result last year by reaching the semifinals at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals.
Group F: Netherlands defeated Germany 3-0
Another home team, the Netherlands, also secured an insurmountable 2-0 lead over two-time champions Germany on Thursday.
Eva Vedder defeated Jule Niemeier 6-3, 6-1 to begin. Suzan Lamens then battled past Tatjana Maria 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 in a 2-hour and 13-minute comeback.
The Netherlands proceeded to sweep the tie 3-0 after a doubles victory by Lamens and Demi Schuurs.
