Ukraine overcomes Belgium in deciding doubles rubber

Ukraine reached the Billie Jean King Cup semifinals for the second consecutive year by defeating Belgium 2-1 on Thursday in Shenzhen. World number 48 Anhelina Kalinina gave Ukraine an initial lead by beating 21-year-old Jana Otzipka 6-7 (6), 6-1, 6-1 across two hours and 10 minutes, while Otzipka committed 16 double faults. Belgium leveled the tie when 217th-ranked Greet Minnen defeated world number seven Elina Svitolina 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-4 in a match lasting two hours and 47 minutes. Minnen secured her second career victory over a top-10 player, having defeated Garbiñe Muguruza at Wimbledon in 2022. Kalinina then teamed with former Wimbledon doubles champion Lyudmyla Kichenok to win the deciding doubles match against Magali Kempen and Lara Salden 6-3, 6-3 after establishing a 5-1 lead in the second set. Belgium contested the tie under captain Wim Fissette without Elise Mertens, Hanne Vandewinkel, and Jeline Vandromme, while Ukraine competed under captain Illya Marchenko without Marta Kostyuk.

Otzipka commented on her national team debut following her three-set singles match.

“I am really satisfied with my performance. I didn't expect that.”

Italy eliminates host China to set up Ukraine rematch

Two-time defending champion Italy secured a 2-1 quarterfinal victory over host nation China on Thursday to complete the semifinal bracket. China took the lead in the opening singles match when Zhang Shuai defeated Elisabetta Cocciaretto 6-0, 6-2. Jasmine Paolini, the 30-year-old former world number four currently ranked 20th, brought Italy level by defeating Paris 2024 Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen 6-3, 7-6 (4). In the deciding doubles match, Paolini and Sara Errani defeated Guo Hanyu and Jiang Xinyu 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 across two hours and 15 minutes after dropping the second set. The result keeps Italy in contention for a third consecutive title and sets up a semifinal against Ukraine, repeating their semifinal encounter from last season.

Semifinal matchups and tournament schedule in Shenzhen

The tournament in Shenzhen moves into the semifinals with ties scheduled for Friday and Saturday ahead of Sunday's final on 27 September. Spain advanced earlier in the week with a 2-1 win over Kazakhstan and will play the Czech Republic in Friday's semifinal. The Czech Republic progressed with a 2-0 sweep against Great Britain, aiming for a 12th title in the competition formerly known as the Fed Cup. The United States holds the all-time tournament record with 18 titles but failed to qualify for the Shenzhen finals after losing to Belgium in April. Ukraine and Italy will play the second semifinal on Saturday, with the winner advancing to Sunday's championship match.

Elina Svitolina7

Jasmine Paolini20

Anhelina Kalinina48

Zheng Qinwen52

Greet Minnen217

Jana Otzipka474

Elina Svitolina

7

Jasmine Paolini

20

Anhelina Kalinina

48

Zheng Qinwen

52

Greet Minnen

217

Jana Otzipka

474

Data from the article text