Daijiworld Media Network - Shenzhen

Shenzhen, Sep 24: Ukraine booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 Billie Jean King Cup after defeating Belgium 2-1 at the Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre Arena on Thursday.

Ukraine took the lead in the opening singles match, with Anhelina Kalinina overcoming Jana Otzipka 6-7 (6-8), 6-1, 6-1. Otzipka claimed a closely contested opening set, but Kalinina fought back strongly to win the next two sets and put Ukraine ahead.

The second singles match saw Ukraine's world No. 7 Elina Svitolina take on Belgium's Greet Minnen, ranked 209th in the world. Minnen produced an upset after Svitolina won the opening set 7-6 (7-5). The Belgian fought back to win the next two sets 6-4, 6-4, levelling the tie at 1-1.

The semi-final spot was then decided in the doubles match. Svitolina teamed up with Lyudmyla Kichenok for Ukraine, while Magali Kempen and Lara Salden represented Belgium.

The Ukrainian pair delivered a strong performance, defeating Kempen and Salden 6-3, 6-3 in straight sets to seal Ukraine's place in the last four.

Ukraine have now reached the Billie Jean King Cup semi-finals for the second consecutive year. They will face the winner of the quarter-final between Italy and China.

Belgium, meanwhile, bowed out after putting up a strong challenge against Ukraine following their victory over the United States in the qualifying stage.