U.S. opens Billie Jean King Cup Finals with win over Switzerland

SEVILLE, Spain — The United States kicked off their campaign in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals with a victory over defending champions Switzerland on Thursday, setting the stage for a crucial showdown against the Czech Republic for a spot in the semifinals.

Danielle Collins and Sofia Kenin emerged victorious in their singles matches, securing the win for the Americans and placing them on equal footing with the Czech Republic in Group A. The U.S. is now geared up to face the Czechs on Friday in a match that will determine their progression in the tournament.

Only the top teams in each of the four groups will advance to the semifinals, making the clash against the Czech Republic a pivotal moment for the United States. The Czech Republic previously defeated Switzerland on Tuesday.

The U.S. team is competing without their top-ranked players — No. 3 Coco Gauff and No. 5 Jessica Pegula, who opted to participate in the WTA finals that took place just before the Billie Jean King Cup Finals.

Collins clinched a 7-6 (4), 6-1 victory over teenager Celine Naef, marking her sixth win in seven Billie Jean King Cup matches. Kenin then triumphed over Viktorija Golubic with a score of 6-3, 6-7 (1), 7-5 to secure the overall win for the Americans. This marks Kenin’s first Billie Jean King Cup appearance since 2020.

“I was very feisty and eager to get back up the rankings and I definitely feel like I’m getting more attention now,” Kenin said. “I definitely feel I deserve it.”

The United States remains undefeated against Switzerland in the Billie Jean King Cup, having won all 10 ties between the two nations.

As the most successful nation in Billie Jean King Cup history with 18 titles, the United States is now striving to reach the semifinals for the second time in three years.

U.S. team captain Kathy Rinaldi will be stepping down from her role after this year’s Billie Jean King Cup Finals.

“I know in any tough situation, I can look over at Kathy and there is a calming presence about her,” Collins said. “She’s one of my biggest role models on and off the court.”

In Group D, Italy secured a 3-0 victory over Germany, propelling them to their first Billie Jean King Cup semifinal in nine years.

Martina Trevisan defeated Eva Lys 7-6 (6), 6-1 before Jasmine Paolini beat Anna-Lena Friedsam 6-3, 6-2.

In the doubles, Elisabetta Cocciaretto and Lucia Bronzetti defeated Friedsam and Laura Siegemund 6-4, 6-7 (4), 11-9.

In Group C, Canada advanced by defeating Poland, securing their second consecutive victory after defeating host Spain. Marina Stakusic emerged victorious against Magdalena Frech with a score of 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, while Leylah Fernandez beat Magda Linette 6-2, 6-3.

Australia also took home a 2-1 win against Kazakhstan in Alicia Molik’s final Billie Jean King Cup tie after 10 years as Aussie captain.

Storm Hunter put Australia ahead by beating Anna Danilina 7-6 (2), 6-4. Kazakhstan evened the tie with Yulia Putintseva defeating Kimberly Birrell 6-0, 7-5, and Hunter and Ellen Perez gave the Aussies the win by beating Danilina and Putintseva 6-1, 4-6, 10-5.

Australia had previously lost their opening tie to Slovenia in Group B.