Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers set: Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek, and Paula Badosa among potential stars
WTA
The groups for the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers have been revealed, determining the six countries that will join China and Italy for the Finals. The 18 teams are distributed into six groups, with one host nation in each group. Only the group leaders will advance. The ties will take place over three days, starting on 7 April.
Top WTA stars could make an appearance in the tournament, including Coco Gauff for the USA, Iga Swiatek for Poland, Paula Badosa for Spain, and Elena Rybakina for Kazakhstan. These players are among the main contenders who could participate in the event and compete for a spot in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in November.
Unlike last year, only eight teams will compete in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, a change from the previous format of 12 teams. This year, a round-robin group stage will take place, featuring three matches (two singles followed by doubles).
The six winning teams will join two pre-qualified nations, the defending champions Italy and the host nation China, with the Finals set to be held in Shenzhen after an agreement was signed this week.
“Having the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Shenzhen is a dream come true for myself and other Chinese tennis players,” said 2024 gold medallist Zheng Qinwen. “It is an honour to welcome the world’s best players to our home country, where the passion for the sport is unmatched. This event reflects the incredible progress of tennis in China and highlights how women’s sports continue to thrive here. I can’t wait to see how it inspires more young girls to pick up a tennis racket and dream big.”
Over the coming weeks, countries will need to announce the players they will call up for the event. It will begin on 7 April, two weeks after the Sunshine Double concludes with the Miami Open and just before the clay swing kicks off at the WTA 500 Stuttgart Open.
Among the stars who could feature are Americans Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, and Madison Keys, Poland’s Iga Swiatek, Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina, and Spain’s Paula Badosa. Czechia, with Karolina Muchova and Barbora Krejcikova, stands out as another favourite, along with the 2023 champions Canada, led by Leylah Fernandez.
Billie Jean King Cup Qualifying Round
Group A
- [1] Canada
- Romania
- Japan (Host Nation)
Group B
- [2] Czech Republic (Host Nation)
- Spain
- Brazil
Group C
- [3] Slovakia (Host Nation)
- United States
- Denmark
Group D
- [4] Australia (Host Nation)
- Kazakhstan
- Colombia
Group E
- [5] Poland (Host Nation)
- Switzerland
- Ukraine
Group F
- [6] Great Britain
- Germany
- Netherlands (Host Nation)
The 2025 #BJKCup Qualifiers are SET 🔒
— Billie Jean King Cup (@BJKCup) January 23, 2025
Which six group winners will join Italy and China at the Finals in Shenzhen? 👀 pic.twitter.com/DapVBd7oXa
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
- With her money one would think she could afford a better team of Psychiatrists?mandoist29-10-2026
