STARNBERG, September 17, 2025

Ukraine made history on day two at the 2025 Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge Finals, with wins for Marta Kostyuk and Elina Svitolina sealing victory against Spain and sending the team through to the Billie Jean King Cup semifinals for the first time.

“I wouldn’t say it was my greatest performance, but for the team, for the country, it’s difficult to produce a perfect match,” Svitolina said. “In the end I’m very happy I could stay strong and really tough. Got the win, closing win, for Team Ukraine to qualify for semifinals for the first time. It’s such a historical moment for us.”

Kostyuk impressed in a straight-sets victory over Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, before Svitolina held her nerve to triumph against Paula Badosa, who had threatened to take the contest into a deciding doubles match.

A crucial game point in the deciding set

Elina Svitolina’s shot against Paula Badosa is the Gainbridge Play of the Day #BJKCup | @GainbridgeSport pic.twitter.com/03Q1rNnref

— Billie Jean King Cup (@BJKCup) September 17, 2025

“Of course, I’m sad that we lost as a team. I’m really proud of myself because I gave my all. It was a game of margins,” Badosa said. “It was very tight at the end. I think we both played a very good level. Especially in my case after two months and a half outside of competition, coming back in this level, playing against I think she’s top 12 in the world, for me means a lot. It gives me motivation to continue on all this faith that I have the level to be there again.”

Ukraine will now face defending champions Italy for a place in Sunday’s final. Before that, both quarterfinal ties in the bottom half of the draw (Kazakhstan v USA and Japan v Great Britain) will be played on Thursday.

Ukraine defeated Spain 2-0

Marta Kostyuk (UKR) d. Jessica Bouzas Maneiro (ESP) 7-6(3) 6-2

Elina Svitolina (UKR) d. Paula Badosa (ESP) 5-7 6-2 7-5

Cristina Bucsa/Aliona Bolsova (ESP) v Lyudmyla Kichenok/Nadiia Kichenok (UKR) – not played