Czechs down USA to complete BJK Cup semi-finals line-up

Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova triumphed in the decisive doubles match against the United States to clinch Friday’s tie and secure the last spot in the Billie Jean King Cup semi-finals.

Krejcikova and Siniakova outplayed Danielle Collins and Taylor Townsend with a 6-3, 7-5 victory, claiming the top spot in Group A and setting up a face-off with Canada in Seville on Saturday for a chance at the final.

“I was ecstatic when we clinched the winning point today. It was a really competitive match, and I was thrilled and elated with our performance,” said Siniakova.

“It’s impossible to be unbeatable, but I’m proud of our resilience and the quality of our play,” Siniakova added, reflecting on her partnership with Krejcikova.

The duo has an impressive record, having won seven Grand Slam doubles titles and Olympic gold in Tokyo.

“Everyone wants to defeat us, and they are continuously looking for strategies,” Siniakova remarked.

Collins provided the USA — record 18-time winners — an ideal start with a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Siniakova, but Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova dominated Sofia Kenin 6-1, 6-1 in the second singles match.

“The US was patiently waiting for the winning moment. It was a close call, but ultimately we have an exceptional doubles team,” said Czech captain Petr Pala.

The Czechs are aiming for their 12th title and first since 2018, during a stretch of six victories in eight years.

Their semi-final opponents, Canada, have not reached this stage since 1988.

– Slovenia’s Victory –

Earlier on Friday, Kaja Juvan led Slovenia to secure a spot in the final four with a convincing victory over Kazakhstan’s Anna Danilina.

Juvan, ranked 104th in the world, crushed 814th-ranked Danilina 6-1, 6-0 in just 53 minutes.

Teammate Tamara Zidansek won the first set of the second rubber against Yulia Putintseva, ensuring Slovenia finished at the top of Group B and advanced to the semi-finals alongside Italy and Canada in the women’s team event.

Zidansek won the first set 6-2 but lost the second by the same score before deciding to graciously retire, knowing that it was enough for Slovenia to progress.

Kazakhstan won the doubles and the tie 2-1, but it will be the Slovenians who face Italy on Saturday. The Italians secured their spot on Thursday by finishing first in Group D.

France defeated Germany 3-0 in a dead rubber on Friday to secure second place in the section, while Spain narrowly beat Poland 2-1 to finish behind group winners Canada.

Clara Burel set France on the right track by beating Jule Niemeier 6-4, 6-3.

Then newcomer Varvara Gracheva won the second singles match after German rival Tatjana Maria retired while in the lead at 3-0.

Caroline Garcia and Kristina Mladenovic defeated Niemeier and Laura Siegemund in the doubles match.

Poland lost both their ties without Iga Swiatek, who won the WTA Finals earlier in the week to reclaim her position as the world’s number one player.

Rebeka Masarova defeated Katarzyna Kawa in three grueling sets before Sara Sorribes Tormo overcame Magda Linette. Poland then won the concluding doubles match.

Switzerland was the champion in 2022, beating Australia, but both nations were eliminated in the group stage this year.

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