2023 BJK Cup Finals: Spotlight on Czechia

Current ranking: 5
First appearance in BJK Cup: 1963
Years played: 52
BJK Cup record: 152 (112 wins;  40 losses)
Most ties played: Helena Sukova (54)
Best result: Winners in 1975, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1988, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018.

 

 

The second most successful nation in the history of the Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge have won the title on 11 occasions, with USA the only nation to win the competition more times (18).

 

Their first title was clinched in 1975, when they beat Australia in a Final played in France, with a youthful Martina Navratilova winning her singles and doubles matches to clinch the title.

 

Czechia's most recent title came five years ago, as they beat USA 3-0 in a Final played on home soil in Prague, with Barbora Strycova and Katerina Siniakova winning their singles matches to seal victory.

 

 

A runner-up in the 2001 French Open doubles final alongside partner Pavel Vízner, this experienced coach has been in charge of the Czech Billie Jean King Cup team since 2007.

 

Pala has overseen some of their finest moments in the competition, winning the title in 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2018 to become the most successful team captain in the competition's history.

 

 

Czechia have a proud history in this competition and Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova is relishing the chance to create some fresh history in a team bursting with ambition to join the ranks of champions.

 

"I always love to play [for my country] since I was a child," said Vondrousova. "We had under 14, under 16 teams and it's a dream to play for Czech because they won [this competition] so many times. It's very nice to be in the team and to fight for them also.

 

"I think it's a dream for all of us. We are a new team. We have young girls who are playing great tennis. We can be a very strong team.

 

"We are just a few steps away. In Prague [in 2021], also in Glasgow [last year], we had tough matches, groups, but I think we are hungry for the title this year. We will do everything to play for the cup."

 

 

Czechia will face Switzerland in their opening tie of the Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge Finals in Seville on November 7, with their second Group A encounter coming against USA on November 10.

 

Switzerland beat Czechia in their most recent meeting at last year's Finals in Glasgow, but the overall head-to-head is in favour of the Czechs.

 

Czechia have beaten their Swiss rivals in seven of their ten meetings, with their most recent victory coming in 2018.

 

Meanwhile, Czechia and the USA have met on 14 occasions, with the American team holding a 10-4 advantage. Czechia's most recent win in this head-to-head came in last year's Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge Finals in Glasgow.

 

 

Czechia qualified for the Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge Finals with a 3-1 win against Ukraine in April's Qualifiers.

 

Marketa Vondrousova and Barbora Krejcikova won singles matches in a tie played in Antalya, Turkiye.

 

Vondrousova's two singles wins ensured the tie was won without the need for a decisive doubles match to be played.