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 spearheaded Ukraine`s team to a landmark achievement – their first ever Finals qualification. Her victory of 6-4, 6-2 against Swiss player Jil Teichmann in their match contributed to Ukraine`s overall 2-1 win in Group E. Svitolina`s crucial win came after Marta Kostyuk faced an unexpected defeat against 19-year-old Celine Naef, despite a significant ranking difference. Svitolina demonstrated composure, winning the final three games of the first set and five of the last six to secure her victory.
Svitolina expressed her pride in the team, stating, “I’m very proud of all the team for getting us to the Finals. We’ve been waiting for this moment, to compete there, and aim for the World Cup title. Knowing I needed to win to secure our place in the Finals, I focused on each point and game. I am very pleased with my performance and my ability to manage pressure.”
This victory was not only a national milestone but also a personal one 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 victories for Ukraine.
Nadiia Kichenok and Katarina Zavatska concluded an unbeaten week for Ukraine by winning their doubles match against Naef and Susan Bandecchi with a score of 6-4, 3-6, [10-5].
In The Hague, Great Britain secured their Finals qualification for the third time in four years thanks to a decisive doubles victory. Katie Boulter and Jodie Burrage, an unexpected doubles team, achieved a 6-2, 6-2 victory over Demi Schuurs and Suzan Lamens, clinching the tie for Great Britain. After both teams won a singles match each – Sonay Kartal won against Eva Vedder in three sets, and Lamens defeated Boulter in straight sets – team captain Anne Keothavong substituted Harriet Dart and Olivia Nicholls with Boulter and Burrage for the crucial doubles match.
Keothavong commented, “You must seize opportunities, and as captain, I trusted these two. Their performance today validated that decision.”
Meanwhile, Spain achieved an upset victory against host nation Czechia. Cristina Busca and Jessica Bouzas Maniero both defeated higher-ranked opponents. Bucsa, fresh from a WTA 250 doubles title win in Bogota, defeated Marie Bouzkova 7-5, 6-1. Bouzas Maniero, a BJK Cup debutant, triumphed over Linda Noskova 6-4, 6-2.
In other action on Saturday, a revamped US team swept Denmark, who played without World No. 21 Clara Tauson, in Group C. This sets up a decisive match against hosts Slovakia for a place in the Finals. Newcomers Hailey Baptiste and Bernarda Pera secured comfortable singles wins against Rebecca Munk Mortensen and Johanne Svendsen, and Desirae Krawczyk and Asia Muhammad teamed up for the first time to win the doubles, completing the sweep. Canada will compete against Japan in Group A for the remaining Finals spot.
Rupert Caldwell