Ukraine reaches first Billie Jean King Cup final after beating Italy

Ukraine has reached the Billie Jean King Cup final for the first time, defeating two-time defending champions Italy 2-0 in Shenzhen, China. The semifinal victory secured a new milestone for the country in women’s international team tennis.

Anhelina Kalinina put Ukraine ahead by beating Tyra Grant 6-3, 6-4. Elina Svitolina then defeated Jasmine Paolini 6-2, 6-2, ending the Italian’s 10-match winning streak in the competition. For Svitolina, the result also reversed a painful defeat to Paolini at the same stage last year.

The breakthrough depended on more than the deciding performance. Svitolina had lost her singles match in the quarterfinal against Belgium, leaving Kalinina and Lyudmyla Kichenok to secure Ukraine’s passage with a decisive doubles victory. Svitolina credited her teammates’ support and subsequent practice work with helping her improve before facing Italy.

Her commitment extends beyond the court: for three years, her foundation has provided financial and operational support to Ukraine’s national team. She described reaching the final as especially meaningful while people at home endure the hardships of Russia’s invasion.

Ukraine will next face the Czech Republic, an 11-time winner of the competition. The title remains undecided, but Ukraine has already taken its campaign further than ever before.