The 2026 Billie Jean King Cup Finals got underway in Shenzhen on Tuesday, with eight nations competing for the women’s world team title.
The tournament is being played from 22 to 27 September at the Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre Arena. The field includes China, Kazakhstan, Italy, Ukraine, Belgium, Spain, Czechia and Great Britain.
The Finals follow a knockout format, beginning with the quarter-finals. Each tie consists of two singles matches followed by a doubles match, with the first nation to record two victories moving into the next round.
China and Kazakhstan are the two Asian nations in the competition. Hosts China face defending champions Italy in one of the most-awaited quarter-finals. The home team will be led by Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen, who returns to the competition after more than two years.
Zheng will be the main player to watch from an Asian point of view. The Olympic champion spent a long period away from the tour because of injury, and much of the season did not go as she would have hoped. However, she returned to form at the US Open, producing an impressive run and showing signs of the real Qinwen Zheng. Her campaign eventually ended against a determined Elena Rybakina, who went on to win the title. Now back in national colours and playing in front of her home crowd, Zheng will be expected to lead China’s challenge against an experienced Italian side.
China’s team also includes Wang Xiyu, former Grand Slam doubles champion Zhang Shuai, Guo Hanyu and Jiang Xinyu. The presence of Zhang, Guo and Jiang gives the hosts several options if the tie is decided in the doubles match.
Italy arrive in Shenzhen as the two-time defending champions. Led by Jasmine Paolini, they have been one of the most consistent teams in the competition in recent years. China will therefore need a strong all-round performance to reach the semi-finals.
Kazakhstan will begin their campaign against Spain. The team will be without World No. 1 and US Open champion Elena Rybakina, who withdrew after a demanding few weeks on tour. In her absence, Kazakhstan will look towards Yulia Putintseva to lead the singles challenge.
Putintseva brings plenty of experience and is known for her fighting spirit on court. Anna Danilina will be another important member of the team, particularly in doubles. Zhibek Kulambayeva and Sonja Zhiyenbayeva complete the Kazakhstan line-up.
Despite Rybakina’s absence, Kazakhstan have players with considerable international and team competition experience. Their tie against Spain could be closely contested, with the doubles match potentially playing an important role.
The opening quarter-final features Czechia against Great Britain. Ukraine face Belgium in another last-eight tie, while China take on Italy and Kazakhstan meet Spain in the two matches carrying Asian interest.
The quarter-finals will be followed by the semi-finals on 25 and 26 September. The champions will be decided on 27 September.
With the Finals being staged in China and two Asian teams in the draw, the continent will have a strong presence throughout the week. China will hope to use the support of the Shenzhen crowd, while Kazakhstan will aim to produce another determined team performance on the world stage.
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