U.S. Tennis Team Advances to Billie Jean King Cup Final

SHENZHEN, China (AP) — The United States defeated Great Britain 2-0 on Saturday to advance to the Billie Jean King Cup final for the first time since 2018. Emma Navarro and Jessica Pegula both rallied from a set down to secure the victory.

Navarro, the 2024 U.S. Open semifinalist, faced Sonay Kartal and lost the first set 3-6. However, she made a strong comeback, winning the next two sets 6-4, 6-3 in a match lasting two hours and 14 minutes. Pegula, ranked seventh in the world, also dropped her first set against Katie Boulter but turned the tide, winning 3-6, 6-4, 6-2.

This match marked the first encounter between the United States and Great Britain in the elite women’s team competition in over 33 years. The U.S. reached the semifinals after defeating Kazakhstan 2-1 in the quarterfinals, while Great Britain advanced by beating Japan 2-0.

The U.S. will now face defending champion Italy, who defeated Ukraine 2-1 in their semifinal match. Ukraine had a strong start when Elina Svitolina was leading 6-4, 4-2 against Jasmine Paolini, but Italy fought back to level the tie. Paolini and teammate Sara Errani won the deciding doubles match, securing Italy’s spot in the final.

The upcoming final will be crucial for the U.S. team, which is historically the most successful in the Billie Jean King Cup, formerly known as the Fed Cup, with 18 titles. However, they have not won since 2017. The final takes place on Sunday, September 21, in Shenzhen, China.

After the match, Pegula shared her excitement about being part of the final, crediting Navarro’s earlier win for motivating her. ‘It’s the first time I will be in a final, it’ll be a new experience, and we’re hopeful to take the title,’ Pegula said.