The Billie Jean King Cup semifinals are confirmed, featuring Ukraine and Italy. On September 24, 2026, Ukraine secured their spot after defeating Belgium 2-1. Anhelina Kalinina initially put Ukraine ahead with a 6-7 (6), 6-1, 6-1 victory over Jana Otzipka. World No. 7 Elina Svitolina was next but faced a surprising upset as World No. 217 Greet Minnen won against her 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-4, marking only her second Top 10 win ever.
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Despite Belgium's momentum, they could not clinch victory as Kalinina and Lyudmyla Kichenok triumphed over Magali Kempen and Lara Salden with a score of 6-3, 6-3 in the decisive doubles match.
In the second semifinal in Shenzhen, China initially led 1-0 against defending champions Italy, with Zhang Shuai overpowering Elisabetta Cocciaretto 6-0, 6-2. However, Jasmine Paolini responded with a 6-3, 7-6 (4) win against Zheng Qinwen, tying the match. In the final matchup, Paolini paired with Sara Errani to defeat Guo Hanyu and Jiang Xinyu 6-3, 5-7, 6-3, ensuring Italy's return to the semifinals.
Paolini is currently on a 10-match winning streak in the Billie Jean King Cup. Ukraine and Italy will compete for a place in the final on Saturday, September 26, a rematch of last year's semifinal, where Italy also prevailed 2-1. Earlier in the week, Czechia eliminated Great Britain, while Spain bested Kazakhstan, with their semifinal set for Friday, September 25. The final match is scheduled for Sunday, September 27.