The journey to the 2025 Billie Jean King Cup title commenced on Thursday, with the qualifying rounds for this year`s Finals getting underway around the world.
This week, 18 nations are divided into six groups of three. The six group winners will join host nation China and reigning champion Italy in the Finals of this prestigious international 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. They are scheduled for September 16-21 at the Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre Arena in Shenzhen, China. Shenzhen will be the host city for the Finals through 2027.
Thursday`s Qualifier Results
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.
“Playing this match today was extraordinary, and I truly enjoyed performing in front of the Czech fans,” Bouzkova expressed. “I loved it, and securing this point for my country is incredibly special.”
Brazil managed to secure a point when Haddad Maia and Luisa Stefani won the doubles.
The Czech team aims to continue their Billie Jean King Cup success. They have claimed the title 11 times in total, second only to the United States with 18 titles. Their most recent victory was in 2018.
The Czech Republic will play against Spain on Saturday. Brazil will compete against Spain tomorrow.
Group D: Kazakhstan defeated Australia 2-1
Kazakhstan secured victory in the first Group D tie, with Top 25 players Elena Rybakina and Yulia Putintseva achieving singles wins against the 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 earned a point in doubles, with a win by Ellen Perez and former WTA Doubles World No. 1 Storm Hunter.
Kazakhstan will aim for a 2-0 record 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 at home, Poland began their qualifying campaign by establishing an unbeatable 2-0 lead over 2022 champions Switzerland in Thursday’s tie.
Katarzyna Kawa, a qualifier who reached the Bogota final last week, started with a 5-7, 6-4, 6-2 victory over Jil Teichmann. Magda Linette followed up 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. Their best result was reaching the semifinals at last year`s Billie Jean King Cup Finals.
Group F: Netherlands defeated Germany 3-0
Another home team, the Netherlands, also gained 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 overcame Tatjana Maria 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 in a comeback that lasted 2 hours and 13 minutes.
The Netherlands proceeded to sweep the tie 3-0 with a doubles victory by Lamens and Demi Schuurs.
Rupert Caldwell