Reigning champion Italy will host Japan in the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers in April as it seeks a third straight title in the women's team competition. Fourteen nations will compete in the qualifiers, with seven advancing to join hosts China in the September finals. The event adopts a home-and-away knockout format on April 10-11.
The draw for the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers has been announced, pitting reigning champions Italy against Japan in a home tie as they pursue a hat-trick of titles in the women's team tennis competition.
Fourteen nations will contest the qualifiers, with the seven winners advancing to the finals in host nation China in September. Last year's runners-up, the United States, will travel to Belgium, while the 11-time champions Czech Republic face the 2022 winners Switzerland. Other matchups include Britain versus Australia, Kazakhstan hosting Canada, Spain against Slovenia, and Poland taking on Ukraine.
Scheduled for April 10-11, the qualifiers shift to a home-and-away knockout format, replacing last year's single-location group stages. This ensures live doubles rubbers in every tie. Each matchup consists of two singles on day one, a doubles on day two, and two reverse singles.
The seven losing teams will enter playoffs in November. This revamped structure promises more dynamic competition and engaging matches for fans.
Italy's quest begins at home, setting the stage for an intense rivalry with Japan.
