Ukraine and two-time defending champion Italy completed the Billie Jean King Cup semifinal lineup in Shenzhen on Thursday, setting up a repeat of their 2025 last-four tie. Ukraine advanced 2-1 over Belgium despite Elina Svitolina’s defeat, while Italy recovered from an early deficit against host nation China.
The match
Ukraine were without Marta Kostyuk but opened their quarterfinal against Belgium through Anhelina Kalinina, who battled past Jana Otzipka 6-7 (6), 6-1, 6-1.
Belgium forced a deciding doubles rubber when Greet Minnen, ranked No. 217, overturned a set deficit to beat world No. 7 Svitolina 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-4. It was Minnen’s second career win against a Top 10 player and her first since Wimbledon four years ago.
Kalinina returned alongside Lyudmyla Kichenok for the decisive point, and the Ukrainian pair defeated Magali Kempen and Lara Salden 6-3, 6-3 to secure the tie.
China made a strong start in the other quarterfinal as Zhang Shuai swept past Elisabetta Cocciaretto 6-0, 6-2. Italy answered when Jasmine Paolini defeated Zheng Qinwen, fresh from a US Open quarterfinal appearance, 6-3, 7-6 (4).
Paolini and Sara Errani then delivered in doubles, beating Guo Hanyu and Jiang Xinyu 6-3, 5-7, 6-3. The victory extended Paolini’s Billie Jean King Cup winning streak to 10 matches.
The next round
Ukraine will face Italy in the semifinal on Saturday, Sept. 26. Italy won the teams’ semifinal meeting last year by a 2-1 scoreline, with Paolini beating Svitolina in three sets before Paolini and Errani claimed the deciding match.
The other semifinal, between Czechia and Spain, is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 25. Czechia reached the last four with a sweep of Great Britain, while Spain defeated Kazakhstan, who were without Elena Rybakina.
The Billie Jean King Cup final will be played on Sunday, Sept. 27.
