Billie Jean King Cup Finals: Japan’s Run Ends in Quarterfinals
Malaga, Spain – Ena Shibahara claimed the best singles win of her career but that was not enough as Japan’s campaign in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals ended with a 1-2 defeat against Italy in the quarterfinals.
The Japanese team, though, showed determination while fighting out against an experienced Italian side.
The tie began on a positive note for Japan with 133rd ranked Shibahara defeating world number 53 Elisabetta Cocciaretto 3-6 6-4 6-4. However, Jasmine Paolini quickly turned the tables in favor of Italy. The Roland-Garros and Wimbledon finalist outplayed Moyuka Uchijima 6-3 6-4 to level the tie.
In the deciding doubles match, Sara Errani paired up with Paolini to defeat Japan’s Shuko Aoyama and Eri Hozumi 6-3 6-4. This victory sent Italy into the semi-finals for the second consecutive year.
Japan’s impressive run in the competition began with a comeback victory against Romania in the first round. Shuko Aoyama and Eri Hozumi secured a thrilling 6-1 7-5 doubles win to claim a spot in the last-eight stage.
Earlier in the tie, Nao Hibino lost the opening singles match against Ana Bogdan 6-2 6-4. However, Shibahara stepped up to record a significant win, beating World No. 73 Jaqueline Cristian 6-4 7-6(2) and keeping Japan’s hopes alive.
Kazakhstan and China Secure Spots in 2025 BJKC Qualifiers
The BJKC playoffs also took place recently, with two teams securing spots in the 2025 Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers.
In a home tie played at the National Tennis Center (Beeline Arena) in Astana, Kazakhstan, the hosts dominated Korea with a convincing 3-1 victory.
Zarina Diyas won the opening singles match in a thriller, outplaying Dayeon Back 3-6 6-3 7-6(7). 2022 Wimbledon Champion Elena Rybakina then sealed a 2-0 lead, defeating Sohyun Park 6-2 6-2.
Yulia Putintseva further cemented Kazakhstan’s position with a 6-4 7-5 win against Yeonwoo Ku, securing an unbeatable 3-0 lead. Although Korea managed to claim a consolation doubles victory, Kazakhstan’s dominant performance earned them a well-deserved spot in the 2025 BJKC Qualifiers.
China also secured a place in the 2025 BJKC Qualifiers with a closely contested 3-2 win against Belgium. In a home tie played at the Guangzhou Nansha International Tennis Center, China started strong with early wins in the singles matches, with Sijia Wei and Xiyu Wang defeating Marie Benoit and Hanna Vandewinkle.
However, Belgium mounted an impressive comeback, with Sofia Costoulas and Hanna Vandewinkle securing back-to-back singles victories to level the tie at 2-2. The decisive doubles match pitted Chinese duo Hanyu Guo and Xinyu Jiang against the Belgian pair of Sofia Costoulas and Hanna Vandewinkle. The Chinese duo emerged victorious, claiming a 7-6(7) 6-3 win to seal the tie in their favour.
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