Billie Jean King Cup: Ukraine eliminates Belgium after Svitolina's setback

Ukraine has asserted its favoritism in the quarter-final match of the Billie-Jean King Cup Finals 2026 against Belgium, although it suffered more than expected. In fact, they had to rely on the decisive doubles point to resolve a tie that seemed to complicate after the unexpected defeat of Elina Svitolina, with Anhelina Kalinina ultimately becoming the great heroine.

The absences of Kostyuk and Yastremska appeared to diminish Ukraine's title chances, but the truth is they are now in the semifinals after winning 2-1 against Belgium. The series started with a victory for Anhelina Kalinina over Otzipka by 6-7 (6) 6-1 6-1, while the big surprise of the morning came later, with Greet Minnen defeating Elina Svitolina by 6-7 (5) 6-4 6-4. Everything was decided in a doubles match where Kalinina and Kichenok triumphed 6-3 6-3 against Kempen and Salden.

Back-to-back BJK Cup semi-finals for Ukraine 🇺🇦

They’ll face the winner of Italy vs China 🇮🇹🇨🇳#BJKCup pic.twitter.com/5XRGXNCQU0

— Billie Jean King Cup (@BJKCup) September 24, 2026

Svitolina suffered an unexpected setback and Kalinina was the savior

A decisive blow from a country very passionate about tennis, which considers this sport vital in structuring society and in its media struggle in the war conflict with Russia. For a country at war for years to compete for tennis glory is commendable, knowing that all the players are competing for something much greater than a sports title.

The Ukrainians now await the winners of the match between Italy and China, with Elina Svitolina aware that she will need to regain her best level as her rivals will be either Paolini or Zheng. The chances of Ukraine reaching the final of the Billie-Jean King Cup Finals 2026 will largely depend on that.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Billie-Jean King Cup: Ucrania elimina a Bélgica después de un descalabro de Svitolina