BJK Cup opening day postponed due to extreme weather alert in Spain
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General view outside the stadium after the first-round tie between Spain and Poland was postponed due to a severe weather alert.
PHOTO: REUTERS
MALAGA – The Billie Jean King Cup Finals which were due to begin in Malaga on Nov 13 were postponed after Spanish authorities issued a red-weather alert for extreme rain and flooding in parts of the country, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) said.
Two weeks after the worst floods in Spain’s modern history killed more than 200 people, thousands have been evacuated in the Costa del Sol region of southern Spain as the new weather front is expected to bring torrential rain and low temperatures.
“Due to a severe weather alert issued by local and regional authorities, the 2024 BJK Cup Finals first-round tie between Spain and Poland, originally scheduled for today, November 13 at 5pm, has been postponed,” the ITF said in a statement.
“The tie will now take place on Friday, Nov 15, starting at 10am.
“This decision has been made based on guidance from the relevant authorities to ensure the health and safety of all participants and attendees.
“We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and cooperation.”
Hosts Spain were scheduled to begin the tournament against Iga Swiatek’s Poland as 12 teams assembled in Andalusia to battle for the title won in 2023 for the first time by Canada.
Later on Nov 13, the ITF confirmed that the Nov 14 schedule would go ahead as planned although they would closely monitor weather forecasts.
“After a thorough site inspection by our technical and security teams, we are pleased to confirm that the 2024 BJK Cup Finals first-round tie between Japan and Romania will proceed on Thursday, Nov 14, starting at 12pm and Slovakia versus USA first-round tie will take place not before 5pm,” a statement read.
“Please be aware that local authorities have advised the red alert will be lifted at 8am tomorrow. We continue to closely monitor weather conditions and will provide updates, as necessary.”
Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, shared on social media that she celebrated her 22nd birthday on Nov 13 stuck in a room with Britain as they prepared for their match against Germany on Nov 15.
She thanked her team for making the day special despite the widespread flooding in the city.
“Thank you for all the birthday wishes, I am so grateful for all my friends too (who I couldn’t all add here) for pouring extra love into today and being there through all,” she captioned the Instagram post.
“Big s/o to my team for making it a special day out here.
“Thanks for making my birthday as good as it can be inside in this weather.”
The last two days of the BJK Cup would overlap with the Nov 19-24 men’s Davis Cup Finals at the same venue, where Spanish great Rafael Nadal is expected to play his last tournament before retiring.
REUTERS