Italy and Canada reach Billie Jean King Cup semis, Swiss crash out

SEVILLE – Switzerland’s reign as Billie Jean King Cup champions is over after they suffered a second successive loss in Seville on Thursday, this time at the hands of the United States.

Meanwhile, Italy became the first nation through to the semi-finals after beating Germany 3-0 in Group D.

Canada also made sure of first place in Group C as they won both singles matches against a Poland side missing world No. 1 Iga Swiatek.

Teenager Marina Stakusic enhanced her burgeoning reputation with a 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 defeat of Magdalena Frech before world No. 20 Leylah Fernandez eased past Magda Linette.

“I’m proud and ecstatic that we are in the semis,” Fernandez said. “Happy I could execute my game plan.”

Stakusic, 18, admitted that she was overwhelmed by the occasion.

“I’m feeling amazing,” she said. “This week so far has been one of the most amazing experiences that I have had. I’m just so happy that I was able to fight today and find a way to pull it out and give Canada the lead.”

Australia, the 2022 runners-up, edged Kazakhstan 2-1 in Group, B although they can no longer qualify for the last four.

The United States arrived in Andalucia without top players Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula but still proved too strong for a Swiss side missing Belinda Bencic who announced last week that she was expecting a baby.

Danielle Collins used her experience to beat youngster Celine Naef 7-6 (7-4), 6-1 before former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin overcame Viktorija Golubic 6-3, 6-7 (1-7), 7-5 to give her team an unassailable lead in the tie.

Kenin dominated the best part of two sets and was close to a straight-sets win before being dragged into a decider.

Three match points came and went at 6-5 on her serve but she kept her cool to finish the job and send the Swiss packing.

Kathy Rinaldi’s team now face a Group A clash with the Czech Republic on Friday to decide who goes through to the weekend’s semi-finals. The result of the tie was unavailable at press time.

Italy had dispatched France on Wednesday and followed up strongly against Germany as Martina Trevisan secured a hardfought 7-6 (7-6), 6-1 victory over Eva Lys.

Jasmine Paolini, who like Trevisan also won her singles against France, then dispatched Anna-Lena Friedsam 6-3, 6-2.

Italy polished off the doubles as they moved to the semi-finals of the competition for the first time since 2014.

“I think we have to rest tomorrow and be prepared for the next day. We’ve reached the semi-final which was a big goal for us,” Italy captain Tathiana Garbin said. “We have to be happy but never satisfied.”

Australia had their backs to the wall after losing to Slovenia on Tuesday but went out fighting in captain Alicia Molik’s last tie in charge.

Molik changed her line-up and world No. 155 Storm Hunter rewarded her faith by posting a 7-6 (7-2), 6-4 victory over Anna Danilina, ranked a lowly 802nd.

Yulia Putintseva got the Kazakhs back in the tie as she beat Kim Birrell 6-0, 7-5 to set up a doubles decider.

Doubles world No. 1 Hunter then returned to court alongside Ellen Perez to take on Danilina and Putintseva and after splitting the opening two sets they held their nerve to win the match tiebreak 10-5.

Separately, four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka will make her eagerly anticipated return to tennis at the Brisbane International in Australia, organisers said on Friday.

Starting on Dec 31, the Brisbane tournament is a warm-up for the Australian Open starting in mid-January.

The 26-year-old gave birth to daughter Shai in July and has not played on tour since September 2022, having also struggled with her mental health and the pressures of tennis.

“I always love starting my season in Brisbane and can’t wait to return,” the Japanese said.

“The Brisbane International is such a great tournament and will set me up for a brilliant comeback this summer. ”REUTERS, AFP