Elina Svitolina leads Ukraine to Billie Jean King Cup Finals berth

Svitolina’s straight-sets win secures historic qualification for Ukraine as Britain, Spain, and others also advance.

Elina Svitolina in action during the Billie Jean King Cup match between Switzerland and Ukraine in Radom, Poland, on April 12, 2025. Photo by Foto Olimpik/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Elina Svitolina led from the front on Saturday as Ukraine booked a place in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals for the first time in the nation’s history. Her performance against Switzerland was the deciding moment in the tie, and it secured Ukraine's place among the elite eight teams heading to Shenzhen in September. The Elina Svitolina Billie Jean King Cup storyline now becomes one of the most inspiring in the tournament’s 2025 edition.

Playing in Radom, Poland, Svitolina beat Switzerland’s Jil Teichmann 6-4, 6-2, leveling the Group E tie 1-1 and mathematically ensuring Ukraine’s advancement before the doubles match. Her victory was followed by a spirited effort from Nadiia Kichenok and Katarina Zavatska, who won 6-3, 3-6, 10-5 over Swiss duo Céline Naef and Susan Bandecchi to wrap up the 2-1 win.

"It means a lot to all the team," Svitolina said in her post-match interview. "We've been waiting so long for this moment. I knew I had to win to bring us to the Finals, so I was trying to focus on one point, one game at a time."

The moment was made even more emotional by the atmosphere in the Polish venue. With a large number of Ukrainian fans in attendance, Svitolina said it "felt like we were playing at home in Ukraine." It was a powerful moment of national pride during a time of difficulty for her homeland.

Ukraine's breakthrough performance

This marks Ukraine’s first-ever appearance in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, a huge milestone for a tennis federation that has seen significant growth in recent years. The team's strong cohesion and belief were instrumental throughout the qualifiers.

Svitolina, a former world number three and Olympic bronze medalist, played with renewed passion, reflecting her role as both a leader and a symbol of Ukraine's resilience. The Elina Svitolina Billie Jean King Cup success story is a testament to her mental strength and commitment to national representation, especially amid the ongoing struggles back home.

Ukraine’s group win was solidified after Céline Naef's earlier upset of Marta Kostyuk in straight sets, 6-4, 7-6 (7/1), which temporarily gave Switzerland hope. But Svitolina's consistent baseline hitting and court coverage left Teichmann with few answers, showing once again why she is considered one of the most mentally tough players on tour.

Britain and Spain also qualify

In The Hague, Great Britain also booked their place in the BJK Cup Finals after a 2-1 win over the Netherlands in Group F. Despite an early loss by British number one Katie Boulter to Suzan Lamens (6-4, 6-3), Britain rallied.

Sonay Kartal kept the tie alive by beating Eva Vedder 6-4, 4-6, 6-1 in a gritty match that demonstrated her increasing maturity on clay. Boulter then redeemed herself in the decisive doubles match, partnering with Jodie Burrage to defeat Demi Schuurs and Lamens 6-2, 6-2, securing Britain's top spot in the group.

Meanwhile, Spain eliminated Czech Republic with a dominant 2-1 win in Ostrava. Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, one of the rising stars of Spanish tennis, closed out the tie with a 6-4, 6-2 win over Linda Noskova. Earlier, Cristina Bucsa dismantled Marie Bouzkova 7-5, 6-1 in a performance that showcased Spain’s depth.

Bucsa had also featured in Friday’s 3-0 sweep of Brazil, where she and Sara Sorribes Tormo combined for a strong doubles win, giving Spain full momentum heading into Saturday’s clash with the Czechs.

U.S. and Japan on the brink

The United States also moved closer to qualification after defeating Denmark 3-0 in Bratislava. Bernarda Pera and Hailey Baptiste gave the Americans a quick 2-0 advantage with straight-set wins. Pera beat Johanne Svendsen 6-3, 6-1, while Baptiste defeated Rebecca Munk Mortensen 6-1, 6-4.

The American doubles pair Desirae Krawczyk and Asia Muhammad completed the clean sweep with a 6-4, 6-1 win. The final group match between the United States and Slovakia will determine who tops Group C and advances to Shenzhen.

In Tokyo, Japan thrashed Romania 3-0, boosting their chances of qualification. Ena Shibahara and Moyuka Uchijima both won their singles matches in straight sets, setting up a do-or-die clash with Canada on Sunday. The winner of that match will secure a place in the 2025 Billie Jean King Cup Finals.

Australia’s bittersweet win

Although Australia managed a 3-0 win over Colombia on Saturday, it was not enough to secure qualification, as Kazakhstan had already topped Group D with earlier victories. Elena Rybakina, leading the Kazakh team, ensured their Finals berth after wins against both Colombia and Australia.

Despite the victory, Australia and Colombia were both relegated to the November play-offs. Still, the match had significance, as the winner earned additional ranking points, which could influence seeding in future qualifiers.

The path to Shenzhen

With China already in as hosts, and defending champions Italy also set for the Finals, the eight-team lineup for Shenzhen is nearly complete. Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Britain, and Spain are the newest confirmed participants, while the U.S. and Japan are among the frontrunners for the final spots.

The Elina Svitolina Billie Jean King Cup storyline encapsulates the spirit of the tournament—passion, national pride, and perseverance. Her heroics on the clay in Radom, combined with the steady teamwork of Kichenok and Zavatska, now stand as one of the defining moments of this year’s qualifiers.

As the Finals approach, Ukraine will not only arrive as first-timers but also as a team with growing belief and a proven leader. Svitolina, who returned to top-level tennis in 2023 following maternity leave, continues to defy odds and elevate those around her.

Her latest success in the Billie Jean King Cup adds another proud chapter to her already distinguished career, and Ukraine’s qualification sends a powerful message across the tennis world.