Iga Swiatek Guides Poland to Billie Jean King Cup Finals Quarter-Finals

Iga Swiatek, making her debut at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, secured a 2-0 victory for Poland over five-time champions Spain, thereby sealing their advancement to the last eight of the tournament in Malaga. World number two Swiatek defeated Spain’s Paula Badosa with a score of 6-3, 6-7 (5-7), 6-1 in the second singles match. Earlier, Magda Linette had put Poland in the lead by overcoming Sara Sorribes Tormo 7-6 (8-6), 2-6, 6-4 in a thrilling encounter that lasted three hours and 51 minutes. Five-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek remarked, “I wouldn’t say that I pushed us to the quarter-finals, because Magda pushed us to the quarter-finals, so we did it together.” She further added, “I’m glad that we won a match as Team Poland. I felt like it was my best match since the US Open.” Swiatek also stated, “I knew that I could come back in the third set and try to win it for Poland.” The tie was originally scheduled for Wednesday but was postponed due to a severe weather alert in Malaga. Poland has not won the BJK Cup in its 61-year history, and this marks their first time reaching the quarter-finals in its current format. They are set to compete against 11-time champions the Czech Republic in the last eight on Saturday. Later on Friday, Great Britain also secured their place in the quarter-finals with a victory over Germany. They will face 2023 winners Canada on Sunday.