Photo: ukrainian_tennis_federation, Instagram
Ukraine reached the Billie Jean King Cup final for the first time in history after defeating Italy 2-0 in the semifinals in Shenzhen on September 26. The Ukrainian team secured the tie through the two singles matches and did not need to play the deciding doubles rubber.
Elina Svitolina opened the tie with a dominant 6-2, 6-2 victory over Jasmine Paolini. The match lasted one hour and three minutes.
It was Svitolina’s third win in four meetings with Paolini and avenged her defeat to the Italian in last year’s Billie Jean King Cup semifinal. Paolini had entered the match on a six-match winning streak in singles for Italy.
Svitolina’s victory was also her 20th win in the Billie Jean King Cup, making her only the fifth Ukrainian player to reach that milestone across singles and doubles matches.
Kalinina seals the tie
Anhelina Kalinina then defeated Tyra Grant to give Ukraine the second point and secure its place in the final without the need for a doubles match.
Ukraine also recorded its first victory over Italy in Billie Jean King Cup competition after losing their previous five ties. The result ended Italy’s eight-match winning streak in the event.
Italy had won the tournament six times, including the previous two editions, making the semifinal a rematch of last year’s final-four meeting.
Ukraine to face Czechia
Ukraine will face the Czech Republic in Sunday’s final on September 27. Czechia reached the final after beating Spain 2-0 in the other semifinal.
The final is scheduled to begin at 12 p.m. Kyiv time.
The achievement marks Ukraine’s first appearance in the Billie Jean King Cup final.
