BJK Cup 2025: Kostyuk Dominates Bouzas Maneiro, Ukraine Takes the Lead Against Spain in the Quarterfinals

In a closely contested match, Marta Kostyuk defeated Jessica Bouzas Maneiro to propel Ukraine into a strong position in the Billie Jean King Cup quarterfinals against Spain. After a challenging first set, Kostyuk managed to elevate her level in the second set.

The second quarterfinal of the Billie Jean King Cup 2025 commenced this Wednesday morning with the first match between Spain and Ukraine featuring Jessica Bouzas Maneiro and Marta Kostyuk.

The two players had never faced each other before. The first set was evenly matched, with both players having opportunities to take the lead, but after a series of breaks, they were separated in the tiebreaker.

In the tiebreaker, Bouzas Maneiro, ranked 51st in the world but having a streak of three consecutive losses coming into this match, made too many errors, which Kostyuk capitalized on to take the advantage.

In the second set, Bouzas Maneiro did not give up and broke serve at the start. However, she could not maintain the momentum. Kostyuk, more solid in the second set, finished the match in less than two hours (7-6, 6-2 in 1h44).

Ranked 26th in the WTA, she puts her team in a good position for a semifinal qualification. Elina Svitolina, who faces Paula Badosa next, has the chance to qualify Ukraine for the semifinals, which would be a first. If the Spanish player succeeds, the decisive doubles match will determine Italy's opponent in the next round.

"At the beginning, I couldn't really get my game in place; the conditions aren't easy here. It's the first time I've faced Jessica (Bouzas Maneiro) in singles, but I had already faced her in doubles at the US Open this summer, so I had some time to analyze her game. She's a fighter; she's having a very good season.

In the first set, I didn't want to play a tiebreak because my performances in tiebreakers this year have not been something I can be proud of. But I'm happy to have made it through, and now we have to give it our all to support Elina (Svitolina)," Kostyuk said on the court after her victory.