The United States defeated Kazakhstan in a decisive doubles match to set up a semifinal against Great Britain, who eased to victory against Japan, at the 2025 Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge Finals in Shenzhen.

World No. 18 Emma Navarro saved two match points in a hard-fought win over Yulia Putintseva to put the United states 1-0 up in the first tie of the day, but Elena Rybakina levelled the scores with a straight-sets triumph against Jessica Pegula. Three of the four singles players returned to court for the doubles match, with Pegula partnering Taylor Townsend to a victory against Putintseva and Rybakina.

“We didn’t come here to get to the semis. This is the first step in what we knew was going to be a tough week. Excited to get back out there on Saturday. We’ll all be keeping an eye on tonight’s result, get ready for whoever we face tomorrow, hopefully be ready to go on Saturday night,” said U. S. captain Lindsay Davenport.

In the evening session, Great Britain recorded an impressive win against Japan, with Sonay Kartal and Katie Boulter defeating Ena Shibahara and Moyuka Uchijima, respectively, to send the Brits through to the Billie Jean King Cup semifinals for the third time in the last four seasons.

“[The semifinal is] another opportunity. We’ve been in this position twice before,” Boulter said. “I think me, myself, I know what to expect. We’ve got some world-class tennis players down the other end. They also don’t know what we’re capable of. I think we’re all going to have a free swing and get after them, for sure. We’ve got nothing to lose. I’m very excited for this next tie.

DAY THREE RESULTS

USA defeated Kazakhstan 2-1

Emma Navarro (USA) d. Yulia Putintseva (KAZ) 7-5 2-6 7-6(6)

Elena Rybakina (KAZ) d. Jessica Pegula (USA) 6-4 6-1

Jessica Pegula/Taylor Townsend (USA) d. Yulia Putintseva/Elena Rybakina (KAZ) 6-2 7-6(1)

Great Britain defeated Japan 2-0

Sonay Kartal (GBR) d. Ena Shibahara (JPN) 6-3 7-6(4)

Katie Boulter (GBR) d. Moyuka Uchijima (JPN) 6-2 6-1

Shuko Aoyama/Eri Hozumi (JPN) v Jodie Burrage/Francesca Jones (GBR) – not played