BJK Cup: Germany and Brazil Eliminated, Ukraine on the Verge of Qualification
This Friday saw the continuation of the 2025 Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers. While Kazakhstan, led by Elena Rybakina and Yulia Putintseva, became the first country to officially secure a spot in the 2025 Final 8 after defeating Australia and Colombia, other nations are still battling for their place in the finals.
First, in Group A, Canada easily dominated Romania (3-0), thanks to victories by Victoria Mboko over Miriam Bulgaru (6-1, 6-4) and Marina Stakusic over Anca Todoni (6-4, 6-3). The doubles match only widened the gap between the two nations. The second day will see Japan face Romania.
In Group B, qualification will be decided on the third day this Saturday between Spain and the Czech Republic. Indeed, the Iberian nation dominated Brazil without dropping a single match in their three encounters.
Sara Sorribes Tormo defeated Laura Pigossi (6-3, 7-5), and shortly after, Jessica Bouzas Maneiro overcame Beatriz Haddad Maia (6-3, 4-6, 6-4). The latter suffered her eighth consecutive singles defeat. As a result, Brazil is eliminated, and the winner of the Spain vs. Czech Republic match will advance to the finals.
Moving on to the first day of qualifiers in Group C. Before the United States entered the fray, Slovakia and Denmark faced off. The host nation Slovakia did not hold back and secured a convincing victory.
In the absence of Clara Tauson, the Scandinavian nation couldn’t compete. Viktoria Hruncakova, who defeated Rebecca Munk Mortensen (6-4, 6-3), and Rebecca Sramkova, who overcame Johanne Christine Svendsen (7-6, 5-7, 6-3), secured the first point for Slovakia ahead of the day’s match between the USA and Denmark.
Meanwhile, Ukraine made a strong start in Group E and is already on the verge of qualification. Against a Poland missing Iga Swiatek, Marta Kostyuk had no trouble dominating Katarzyna Kawa (6-1, 6-2).
Shortly after, Elina Svitolina saved five set points against Maja Chwalinska before winning in straight sets (7-6, 6-3). Ukraine only needs one win in their three matches this Saturday against Switzerland to secure their spot in the BJK Cup finals.
Finally, in Group F, Great Britain dashed Germany’s hopes of qualification. Already defeated by the Netherlands the day before, the German nation fell to the British team.
Sonay Kartal defeated Jule Niemeier (6-4, 6-2), and Katie Boulter sealed the deal against Tatjana Maria (1-6, 6-3, 6-1). The winner of the Netherlands vs. Great Britain match will also advance to the Final 8 this September in Shenzhen, China.
