BJK Cup 2025: Svitolina devastated after Ukraine's elimination: "I feel like I've let my country down"

Ukraine came very close to qualifying for its first BJK Cup final. Facing the defending champions, Italy, in the semifinals, Illya Marchenko's team was one win away from qualification thanks to Marta Kostyuk, who defeated Elisabetta Cocciaretto.

Then, Elina Svitolina had the opportunity to finish the job against Jasmine Paolini, but after leading 6-3, 4-2, 40/30 and being five points away from victory, the world No. 13 experienced a fatal slump (3-6, 6-4, 6-4).

Next, in the decisive doubles, the experienced pair Sara Errani/Jasmine Paolini logically got the better of the duo Lyudmyla Kichenok/Marta Kostyuk (6-2, 6-3), after coming back from a break down in the second set.

While the Squadra Azzurra reached their third consecutive final in the competition, Ukraine clearly missed out. Inconsolable after her singles defeat, Svitolina, who now has a record of 18 wins and 10 losses for her country, expressed her regrets.

"Yesterday's defeat in the Billie Jean King Cup is heartbreaking. I feel like I've let my country and my teammates down, and this pain is not easy to bear. But we gave our all on the court and I couldn't be prouder to be part of this team and to represent Ukraine.

Thank you to everyone who was behind us in the stands and for your support which gave us strength. It's not over. We will rise again, stronger than ever," Svitolina wrote on her Instagram account.