ITF

In last year's Billie Jean King Cup Finals, it was a surprise to many when Czechia defeated a strong USA team to book their place in the semifinals. The Americans, with a line-up featuring three Grand Slam finalists, Danielle Collins, Madison Keys and Coco Gauff, were considered favourites for the title in Glasgow but they were unable to advance beyond the group stage. Czechia lost in the semis to eventual champions Switzerland, but they'd proved their point. More seasoned onlookers know that you can never count the Czechs out in the women's World Cup of Tennis. They've lifted the trophy 11 times – second only to 18-times champion USA – and have an array of talented women to call on (they currently have eight players in the WTA top 50). How many of these onlookers, though, would have predicted that Marketa Vondrousova, playing only her third event back after a six-month injury lay-off and having just edged back into the top 100, was launching herself into a comeback journey last November that would take her all the way to this year's Wimbledon title? Marketa Vondrousova upset Danielle Collins 6-3 6-3 in Glasgow, and Katerina Siniakova clinched the tie with a 7-6 6-1 victory over Coco Gauff. The 2023 Billie Jean King Cup Finals, which will be held in Seville in November as the competition celebrates its 60th anniversary, will see a rematch between Czechia and USA – these titans of the event have both been drawn in Group A alongside reigning champions Switzerland. With only one nation progressing from each of the four groups to the semi- finals, this could be the most fiercely contested. Vondrousova, 24, is now a Grand Slam champion who also happens to have a very strong record playing for her country. Through two victories in Czechia's win over Ukraine in April's Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers, the lefthander has a 12-1 win- loss record in the competition. She is also the Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medallist. As mentioned, Czech team captain Petr Pala has plenty of choice when selecting his players for this year's Finals. Team announcements won't be made until 9 October, but Vondrousova and Roland Garros runner-up Karolina Muchova would present a significant 1-2 punch for Czechia if they are both available. Kathy Rinaldi, in her last tie as US captain, has multiple resources at her disposal too. Among them are USA's own pair of top 10 players, Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff, who consolidated their position among the game's elite this season and led the US team to a 4-0 victory over Austria in the Qualifiers. WHO WILL REIGN IN The elite nations of Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge will gather in Seville in November for the 2023 Finals. As new stars emerge in the women's game, the stage is set for a memorable showdown for the competition in its 60th year. Joanne Burnham reports. 16 Summer 2023 ITF World BILLIE JEAN KING CUP

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