The United States reached the Billie Jean King Cup semifinals with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Kazakhstan in Thursday’s opening quarterfinal. This win marked the Americans as the first team to advance after a tie that was ultimately decided by doubles. As the most decorated nation in the event, the U.S. is aiming for its first title since 2017.
Match Recap: U.S. Triumphs in a Nail-Biting Quarterfinal
Emma Navarro put the U.S. ahead in a dramatic opener against Yulia Putintseva. After taking the first set 7-5 and dropping the second 6-2, Navarro found herself trailing 2-0 in the third set. However, she showcased her resilience by battling back to a tiebreak, where she erased two match points at 4-6. Navarro ultimately closed out the match with a 7-5, 2-6, 7-6 (6) victory, which lasted an impressive 2 hours and 31 minutes.
Kazakhstan managed to even the tie when Elena Rybakina overpowered Jessica Pegula. Rybakina took an early lead at 4-1, but Pegula fought her way back to level the score at 4-4. Despite Pegula’s efforts, Rybakina surged again, winning eight of the next nine games to finish with a 6-4, 6-1 victory in just over an hour.
With everything on the line in doubles, the United States paired Pegula with world No. 1 doubles player Taylor Townsend against Rybakina and Putintseva. The Americans quickly dominated the first set, winning 6-2. In the second set, Kazakhstan’s pair moved ahead 4-1, but Pegula and Townsend rallied to draw level at 4-4. They saved two set points in the 12th game and controlled the tiebreak, securing a 6-2, 7-6 (1) clincher.
The United States will now face the winner of the Great Britain vs. Japan match, which is scheduled for later Thursday. Both nations are vying for their first Billie Jean King Cup crown and are competing without their biggest stars, as Emma Raducanu and Naomi Osaka are not in action. Katie Boulter and Sonay Kartal lead the British team, while Moyuka Uchijima and Ena Shibahara headline the Japanese squad.
Earlier this week, five-time champion Italy and Ukraine also advanced to the semifinals with impressive 2-0 wins over China and Spain, respectively. The excitement of the Billie Jean King Cup continues as teams battle for the prestigious title!