Elina Svitolina sends delight to Ukraine after landing a spot in the Billie Jean King Cup final for the first time in history

With victories over Poland and Switzerland in Group E, Ukraine has advanced to the finals of the Billie Jean King Cup for the first time.

Elina Svitolina sends delight to Ukraine after landing a spot in the Billie Jean King Cup final for the first time in history

Ekraine qualifies for Billie Jean King Cup 2025 Finals (image via Instagram/Elina Svitolina)

Elina Svitolina booked Ukraine’s berth in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals for the first time with a 2-1 victory over 2022 champions Switzerland, as Great Britain and Spain also advanced on Saturday. The three countries will join host China, defending champion Italy, and Kazakhstan in the eight-team Finals in Shenzhen from September 16-21.

Svitolina defeated Jil Teichmann 6-4, 6-2 in Radom, Poland, to level the tie, ensuring Ukraine will finish top of Group E. Switzerland’s Celine Naef had earlier upset Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk 6-4, 7-6 (7/1) following Switzerland’s 3-0 loss to hosts Poland.

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It means a lot to us. It wasn’t easy today (Saturday) after the first match, but I felt our spirit was strong, the energy of the fight was present on the field. I’m very happy that the Ukrainian team reached the final for the first time – it’s a very special moment for us and for our country. I played for so many years in the Billie Jean King Cup, and we finally managed to qualify. It’s a very important moment for me. I’m proud of how we pulled together, fought, and finally reached the final.

Elina Svitolina said after her win

But Svitolina’s win was enough even before Nadiia Kichenok and Katarina Zavatska’s marathon 6-3, 3-6, 10-5 doubles victory over a battling Naef and Susan Bandecchi. In addition to scripting national history, the win had personal significance for the Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist. It was Svitolina’s 17th Billie Jean King Cup singles triumph, which equals Elena Tatarkova’s Ukrainian record for most Billie Jean King Cup singles wins.

Elina Svitolina praises hosts Poland after Ukraine’s impressive performance at the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers

Elina Svitolina also shared words of appreciation for hosts Poland, thanking them for the support they’ve given to Ukraine throughout the past three years amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Poland has emerged as one of Ukraine’s closest allies, providing significant financial, humanitarian, and political support throughout the ongoing Russian invasion. Poland has dedicated a portion of its GDP to the cost of hosting and supporting Ukrainian refugees in Poland and provided over €200 million in additional aid to Ukraine.

Ukraine Billie Jean King Cup 2025 Elina Svitolina
Ukraine at Billie Jean king Cup (Image via X/Tennis Letter)

A heartfelt thank you to the people of Poland for the warm welcome – you’ve made us feel truly at home. And that same feeling of home is something you’ve been giving to millions of Ukrainians for over three years.

Elina Svitolina via Instagram

Prior to their victory over Switzerland, Elina Svitolina sealed Ukraine’s victory over Poland in the Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers, outlasting Maja Chwalinska. Svitolina’s 7-6(4) 6-3 win followed teammate Marta Kostyuk’s straightforward triumph earlier in the day to secure the two points Ukraine needed. Ultimately, it came together for Ukraine without the loss of a set to their hosts in Radom.

Japan, Great Britain, and Spain also advance to the Billie Jean King Cup Finals

In The Hague, Great Britain defeated hosts the Netherlands 2-1 to top Group F, with Spain ending Czech Republic hopes at home 2-1 in Group B in Ostrava. British number one Katie Boulter lost her singles tie but teamed up with Jodie Burrage in the doubles to defeat Demi Schuurs and Suzan Lamens 6-2, 6-2 on clay.

Sonay Kartal Katie Boutler Billie Jean King Cup 2025
Sonay Kartal and Katie Boutler (image via LTA)

Boulter had earlier faced defeat to Lamens 6-4, 6-3, while Sonay Kartal won 6-4, 4-6, 6-1 against Eva Vedder as Britain followed up their victory over Germany by the same scoreline on Friday. In Ostrava, Jessica Bouzas Maneiro secured the winning point for Spain, cruising past Linda Noskova 6-4, 6-2, with Cristina Bucsa earlier defeating Marie Bouzkova, 7-5, 6-1.

On Friday, Bucsa had partnered with Sara Sorribes Tormo in the doubles to defeat Brazil 3-0. Japan secured a second consecutive spot in the Billie Jean King Cup finals with its 2-1 win over 2023 champion Canada thanks to Ena Shibahara and Shuko Aoyama’s 6-3, 5-7, 6-2 win over Kayla Cross and Rebecca Marino in the qualifying doubles decider on Sunday.