In 2025, the Ukrainian national tennis team for the first time advanced to the final stage of the Billie Jean King Cup, earning a historic berth to the final thanks to wins in the qualifiers over Poland and Switzerland.

The new tournament format reduced the number of participants to eight teams, and the event will last six days. Each tie comprises three matches, and winning two of them is enough to claim victory.

In the quarterfinals, Ukraine will face Spain – one of the main title contenders. Spain advanced to the final stage after victories in the qualifiers over Brazil and the Czech Republic; at the start, the star was somewhat downplayed by Nuria Parrizas Diaz, she was replaced by Leyre Hormas, and the main star remained Paula Badosa.

Key facts ahead of Ukraine – Spain match

The Ukrainian delegation includes Elina Svitolina (No. 13 in the WTA singles rankings), Marta Kostyuk (No. 26), Yulia Starodubtseva (No. 87), Lyudmila Kichenok (No. 32 in doubles), and Nadiya Kichenok (No. 55 in doubles). From the previous lineup, the position changed: Kateryna Zavatska was replaced by Yulia Starodubtseva.

In Spain, the leader is Paula Badosa (No. 20 in the singles rankings), and the team also features Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, Cristina Bucsa, Leyre Hormas, and Aliona Bolsova (No. 251 in doubles).

Team spirit is very important, – said Elina Svitolina in an interview with the Great Tennis of Ukraine portal. – We have strong tennis players, many of whom are in the top 100. It’s always good to have a choice. This isn’t easy for the captain, but it’s good when there are people to choose from. I am very happy that we finally made the final. So many years we have been trying to qualify. Finally we’re here, and we are enjoying every moment

– Elina Svitolina

A win over Spain would open the path to the semifinals against Italy, which had already defeated China in the previous round – a chance for Ukraine to reach the final.

The Billie Jean King Cup quarterfinal pairings for September 16–18: September 16 – Italy vs China; September 17 – Spain vs Ukraine; September 18 – Kazakhstan vs USA; September 18 – Japan vs Great Britain.

A look to the future: Ukraine has an ambitious plan to show character in the clash with Spain and, if needed, to continue the path to the final, keeping hope for historic success in the Billie Jean King Cup.