Historic Performance: Svitolina and Kostyuk Secure Ukraine's First Semifinal in BJK Cup

Kostyuk paved the way, Svitolina completed the task: Ukraine overpowered Spain and reached the Billie Jean King Cup semifinal for the first time.

In the second quarterfinal of the competition in Shenzhen, Ukraine faced Spain in what was expected to be a balanced match. Although Spain had just regained their No. 1, Paula Badosa, the Ukrainians were more tenacious to secure their spot in the final four.

Marta Kostyuk first measured up against Jessica Bouzas Maneiro (7-6, 6-2) to win the first point for her nation, before Elina Svitolina, after a 2-hour 8-minute battle, defeated the returning Badosa (5-7, 6-2, 7-5) and sent Ukraine into the BJK Cup semifinals.

This marks the Ukrainian team's first appearance at this stage of the competition. For a place in the final, Svitolina and her teammates will face the defending champions, Italy, who defeated China yesterday.