By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Wednesday April 10, 2024
The stars are coming out at Billie Jean King Cup this weekend!
Big names will be in action across the globe at this weekend's Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers, which are set to take place on 12-13 April 2024 in eight different nations, with the winning nations from the Qualifiers advancing to November's Finals alongside 2023 champion Canada, 2023 runner-up Italy, host nation Spain and wild card Czechia.
On the flip side, this weekend's losing nations will compete in the BJK Cup Play-offs in November.
Below are the eight ties set for this weekend:
Australia vs Mexico, Brisbane
The teams will contest their first meeting since 1983, and second overall. The Aussie's job will be a little harder than expected, with Storm Hunter out of this weekend's tie due to injury.
Switzerland vs Poland at Biel, Switzerland
World No.1 Iga Swiatek will take the court as Poland faces the Swiss for the third time and first time since 2015.
Swiatek will face Simona Waltert in her first match.
“I know how [Waltert] plays a little bit but, tactically, I need to prepare as we haven’t met on WTA," said the World No.1. "It’s never easy to play as a guest because the whole stadium is going to be cheering for Switzerland, but I’m ready to do my job. I’m going to focus on myself.
France vs Great Britain at Le Portel, France
France defeated Great Britain 3-1 in the qualifiers last year and the teams have split their four previous meetings, with the first coming in 1975. Caroline Garcia will take on Emma Raducanu in a Day 1 Blockbuster. Diane Parry will square off with Katie Boulter in the other singles rubber on Friday.
"Emma Raducanu is a good player, and she's proved in the past that she's got a lot of potential," Garcia said. "It's a great match to play, with a lot of intensity. It's up to the player who imposes her game.”
USA vs Belgium at Orlando, USA
USA and Belgium meet for the first time since 2011 and the eighth time overall, with Team USA holding a 5-2 advantage.
Danielle Collins and Emma Navarro will run No.1 and No.2 singles for favored Team USA.
Japan vs Kazakhstan at Tokyo, Japan
In Tokyo, Japan will bid for the finals with Naomi Osaka playing a contributing role. The former World No.1 will face Yulia Putintseva in her first match in Tokyo. Putintseva owns the 3-1 head-to-head edge but the pair have not met since 2019.
Brazil vs Germany at Sao Paulo, Brazil
Germany defeated Brazil on indoor clay in Germany last April, and team Brazil hopes to return the favor on home soil, as the bid to reach the Billie Jean King Cup Finals for the first time. Beatriz Haddad Maia will face Laura Siegemund in the first tie on Friday.
Slovakia vs Slovenia at Bratislava, Slovakia
Slovakia and 2023 semifinalists Slovenia meet for the first time at the Peugot Arena in Bratislava.
Ukraine vs Romania at Fernandina Beach, USA
Elina Svitolina, who faces Jacqueline Cristian in her first match, leads Ukraine against Romania in Amelia Island. Romania has won three of four against Ukraine, with Simona Halep sealing Romania’s last win over Ukraine in 2014. Halep will not be in action this weekend.