Tomljanovic and Sanders send Australia into Billie Jean King Cup semi-finals

Storm Sanders and Ajla Tomljanovic claimed their respective singles ties on Thursday to surge past Belarus and into the semi-finals of the Billie Jean King Cup semi-finals.

Australia are chasing an eighth title in the format which was previously called the Fed Cup and Sanders gave them an ideal start seeing off Yuliya Hatouka 6-3, 6-3.

While Tomljanovic concluded proceedings coming back from a 4-0 deficit in the first to find her footing and come through 4-6, 6-2, 6-3. The victor of Czech Republic v Switzerland which features Barbora Krejcikova v Belinda Bencic will face Australia now.

Both Australia and Belarus like many have come into the tournament in Prague without top names.

Krejcikova will play at the WTA Finals next week so will head straight to Mexico from this weekend but for Belarus, they are without Aryna Sabalenka who is in Mexico and Victoria Azarenka.

While Australia are through without Ashleigh Barty, their leading light being involved. Already confirmed is the semi-final between USA and Russia which will be played tomorrow.