Line-up confirmed for 2024 Billie Jean King Cup Finals
14/04/2024 01:39
The 12-nation line-up for this year’s Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge Finals is confirmed following the completion of the eight Qualifier ties
By Ed Pearson
Japan and Romania have qualified for the Finals for the first time after wins over Kazakhstan and Ukraine respectively.
The eight winners from the Qualifiers will join 2023 champions Canada, 2023 runners-up Italy, hosts Spain and wild cards Czechia in Seville at the end of the year.
Here’s a rundown of who will be competing to become world champions this year
Australia
New captain Sam Stosur led her team to a comfortable victory over Mexico this weekend to ensure the Aussies are through to the Finals for a fourth straight year.
Canada
The defending champions will be back in Seville ready to take on all comers.
Czechia
Wild cards Czechia didn’t have to compete in the Qualifiers. Petr Pala’s team have yet to win a title in the new finals format.
Great Britain
Anne Keothavong’s side made the semi-finals in 2022 – the year they hosted the Finals in Glasgow and with Katie Boulter and Emma Raducanu looking at their best this weekend against France, they could prove a handful in Spain.
Germany
Rainer Schuettler’s side are back in the Finals for a third time, where they will be looking to win a tie in the new Finals format for the first time.
Italy
Last year’s runners-up, Italy have a fierce fighting spirit and a fantastic team ethos. The women will be looking to emulate the men, who won Davis Cup in Malaga last year.
Japan
One of the two first-time finalists, Nao Hibino’s side will be glad to have former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka back in the fold.
Poland
With world No. 1 Iga Swiatek in the ranks, Dawid Celt’s side will be one to avoid when the draw takes place for this year’s Finals.
Romania
Having missed out on the Finals last year due to Slovenia’s comeback, it was only fitting that Romania upset the odds themselves with a comeback from 0-2 down against Ukraine. Horia Tecau’s side will make their Finals debut in November.
Slovakia
They missed out on last year’s Finals, but made light work of last year’s semi-finalists Slovenia in a Qualifier in Bratislava this weekend.
Spain
Hosts Spain were left wanting in Seville last year, but they will be banking on the return to fitness for Paula Badosa
USA
New skipper Lindsay Davenport has an embarrassment of riches from which to choose – can she lead an undeniably talented US team to a first title since 2017?
