The journey to the 2025 Billie Jean King Cup title began on Thursday, with Qualifier rounds for this year`s Finals commencing around the world.
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 event.
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
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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 is a summary of Thursday`s results from the Qualifier ties (every nation is still in contention):
Group B: Czech Republic defeated Brazil 2-1
Playing in their home country, Czech Republic prevailed in the first tie of Group B, defeating Brazil in singles matches decisively. Marie Bouzkova beat Laura Pigossi 6-0, 7-6(3), and Linda Noskova defeated Beatriz Haddad Maia 6-4, 6-0.
“Having this match today is something special, and I loved playing in front of the Czech fans,” Bouzkova said. “I loved it, and giving my country this point is truly special.”
Brazil secured a point when Haddad Maia and Luisa Stefani won the doubles rubber.
The Czechs are aiming to extend their legacy in the Billie Jean King Cup. 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 won the first tie of Group D after Top 25 players Elena Rybakina and Yulia Putintseva secured singles victories over 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 gained a doubles point with a win by Ellen Perez and former WTA Doubles World No. 1 Storm Hunter.
Kazakhstan will attempt to go 2-0 in ties when they face Colombia tomorrow. Seven-time Billie Jean King Cup champion Australia, whose most recent title was in 1974, will play Colombia on Saturday.
Group E: Poland defeated Switzerland 3-0
Playing on home soil, 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, Netherlands, also took 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.
Netherlands proceeded to sweep the tie 3-0 after a doubles win by Lamens and Demi Schuurs.
