Leylah Fernandez sends Canada through to semi-finals

Leylah Fernandez secured Canada’s spot in the Billie Jean King Cup semi-finals, a feat not accomplished since 1988. Meanwhile, Italy also advanced to the last four in Seville.

21-year-old Fernandez defeated Poland’s Magda Linette 6-2 6-3, with Marina Stakusic overcoming Magdalena Frech 4-6 7-5 6-3.

Italy progressed to the semi-finals for the first time since 2014, beating Germany 3-0, while the USA defeated defending champions Switzerland and Australia edged Kazakhstan.

Fernandez, after winning a challenging three-hour match against Sara Sorribes Tormo, described the experience as a “bullfight”.

Team-mates Gabriela Dabrowski and Eugenie Bouchard completed a 3-0 victory over Poland, ensuring Canada’s 35-year wait for a semi-final spot came to an end.

In Group B, Australia outplayed Kazakhstan 2-1. Hunter and Perez secured the decisive doubles match win, prevailing 6-1 4-6 (10-5).

What is the Billie Jean King Cup – and when do GB play?

Twelve nations are involved in the finals, previously known as the Fed Cup, with teams divided into four groups for the round-robin stage. The group winners will advance to Saturday’s semi-finals before the champions are crowned after Sunday’s final in Seville.

The winners will receive a prize money of $2.4m (£2.1m). Great Britain did not qualify, but will face Sweden in a play-off tie on 11-12 November. Led by Katie Boulter, GB will compete against Sweden at the Copper Box Arena.