BJK Cup: Czech Republic and Poland Deliver, Netherlands Stun Germany

The first day of the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers was packed with matches and surprising results.

In Ostrava, the Czech Republic faced Brazil in the opening match of Group B. With Linda Noskova and Marie Bouzkova leading the singles, the Czechs made quick work of their opponents.

Noskova crushed Beatriz Haddad Maia 6-4, 6-0, while Bouzkova dominated Laura Pigossi 6-0, 7-6. Brazil will fight for survival in the group tomorrow against Spain.

In Poland, the host nation shone on Thursday in Radom, playing on indoor clay. Despite missing their top player Iga Swiatek, the Polish team held firm against Switzerland in Group E.

Katarzyna Kawa, fresh off a final appearance in Bogota last Sunday, rallied past Jil Teichmann (5-7, 6-4, 6-2), before Magda Linette secured the winning point by defeating Viktorija Golubic (6-4, 6-3).

Finally, in Group F, the Netherlands pulled off a surprise victory against Germany. On the clay courts of The Hague, world No. 265 Eva Vedder easily dispatched Jule Niemeier (6-3, 6-1), and the upset was sealed by Suzan Lamens against Tatjana Maria (3-6, 6-3, 7-5).

The Dutch even claimed the doubles win, with the pair Lamens/Schuurs overcoming Friedsam/Siegemund (7-6, 7-5).