MATCH REPORT | 2023 Billie Jean King Cup Finals: Fernandez-Dabrowski duo secures Canada's spot in the Final

Led by Leylah Fernandez and Gabriela Dabrowski, they overcame doubles players Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova with a score of 7-5, 7-6 (3) to reach the final at Billie Jean King Cup.

In a thrilling semifinal clash at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals 2023, Canada and the Czech Republic, two national teams considered favorites for the title, engaged in an exciting showdown. The North Americans emerged victorious, securing their place in the final with a decisive doubles point, where Leylah Fernandez and Gabriela Dabrowski demonstrated their authority by defeating Siniakova and Krejcikova 7-5, 7-6 (3).

Before this crucial doubles encounter, Leylah Fernandez surprised by achieving a crucial victory over Vondrousova with a scoreline of 6-2, 2-6, 6-3, solidifying the comeback after losing the first point of the series, where Krejcikova had dominated Stakusic 6-2, 6-1. This way, Canada secured their spot in the battle for the title against Italy.

The Czechs took an early lead in the semifinals when Barbora Krejcikova overcame Canadian teenage sensation Marina Stakusic 6-2, 6-1 in the opening singles match. However, the Canadian team showcased their tenacity as Leylah Fernandez secured an impressive victory over the world No. 7, Marketa Vondrousova by 6-2, 2-6, 6-3 in the second singles match, leveling the series at 1-1.

In the doubles tiebreaker to break the deadlock, Fernandez and Dabrowski formed a solid alliance to prevail over the resilient Czech duo composed of Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova. The victory in the doubles point propelled Canada into the final of the Billie Jean King Cup, where they will face Italy in pursuit of the coveted title.

In the other semifinal, Italy secured a 2-0 victory over Slovenia, with Martina Trevisan triumphing over Kaja Juvan 7-6, 6-3, followed by Jasmine Paolini defeating Tamara Zidansek 6-2, 4-6, 6-3.

Canada has the opportunity to secure its first-ever title in the Billie Jean King Cup, even with the notable absence of former US Open champion Bianca Andreescu. On the Italian side, they boast four titles, with their most recent triumph in 2013 when Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci led the team to victory over Russia in the grand final.