Italy and Canada reach BJK Cup semis, Swiss crash out

Agency :
Switzerland’s reign as Billie Jean King (BJK) Cup champions is over after they suffered a second successive loss in Seville on Thursday, this time at the hands of the United States.

Italy became the first nation through to the semi-finals after beating Germany 3-0 in Group D.

Canada also made sure of first place in Group C as they won both singles matches against a Poland side missing world number one Iga Swiatek.

Teenager Marina Stakusic enhanced her burgeoning reputation with a 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 defeat of Magdalena Frech before world number 20 Leylah Fernandez eased past Magda Linette.

“I’m proud and ecstatic that we are in the semis,” Fernandez said. “Happy I could execute my game plan.”
Last year’s runners-up Australia edged Kazakhstan 2-1 in Group, B although they can no longer qualify for the semi-finals.

The United States arrived in Andalucia without top players Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula but still proved too strong for a Swiss side missing Belinda Bencic who announced last week that she was expecting a baby.

Danielle Collins used her experience to beat youngster Celine Naef 7-6(4), 6-1 before former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin overcame Viktorija Golubic 6-3, 6-7(1), 7-5 to give her team an unassailable lead in the tie.