Italy, Canada make semis of Billie Jean King Cup Finals; U.S. ousts Swiss

Italy’s four-time champion secured a spot in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals semifinals with convincing straight-set victories from Martina Trevisan and Jasmine Paolini on Thursday.

Trevisan, ranked World No.43, triumphed over Eva Lys 7-6(6), 6-1, while Paolini, ranked World No.30, defeated Anna-Lena Friedsam 6-3, 6-2 in the tie against two-time champion Germany, giving Italy an unassailable 2-0 lead.

The Italians finished round-robin play at 2-0 and clinched the top spot in Group D, following a 2-1 victory over France a day earlier. This marks Italy’s first entry into the Billie Jean King Cup Finals final four since 2014, with their most recent title win dating back to 2013.

Canada’s Triumph: Canada also secured a place in the semifinals after defeating Poland 2-0 and topping Group C. This marks Canada’s second entry into the Billie Jean King Cup Finals semifinals, the first being in 1988.

In a remarkable match, 18-year-old Marina Stakusic, ranked at a career-high No.258, claimed her second Top 100 win by overcoming 63rd-ranked Magdalena Frech 4-6, 7-5, 6-3. This resilient victory was followed by Leylah Fernandez, the 2021 US Open finalist, easing past Australian Open semifinalist Magda Linette 6-2, 6-3.

Americans Prevail: The United States secured a 2-0 victory over defending champion Switzerland in Group A with singles wins from Danielle Collins and Sofia Kenin. Collins overcame 18-year-old Celine Naef 7-6(4), 6-1, while Kenin won a dramatic thriller against Viktorija Golubic 6-3, 6-7(1), 7-5 in 2 hours and 54 minutes.

They will face 11-time champions Czech Republic in their next Group A tie.

Australia’s Victory: Australia secured a narrow 2-1 win over Kazakhstan in Group B, with Storm Hunter beating Anna Danilina 7-6(2), 6-4, and Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva besting Kimberly Birrell 6-0, 7-5. The decisive doubles rubber saw new doubles World No.1 Hunter and Ellen Perez secure a 6-1, 4-6, [10-5] victory over Danilina and Putintseva.

The Group B winner will be determined after the upcoming tie between Kazakhstan and Slovenia.