Billie Jean King Cup Finals begin in Shenzhen with eight teams

The Billie Jean King Cup Finals get under way in Shenzhen, China, on Tuesday, bringing eight national teams and nearly 40 players together for six days of team competition at the Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre Arena. Defending champions Italy, led by Jasmine Paolini, open against hosts China on September 16, while Great Britain, missing Emma Raducanu, begin their quarterfinal against Japan on September 18 as countries vie for the World Cup of women’s tennis.

The eight-team knockout event runs through September 21 and follows a best-of-three rubbers format, with two singles matches and a doubles match deciding each tie. Quarterfinal matchups are Italy v China, Spain v Ukraine, Kazakhstan v United States and Great Britain v Japan. Semifinals are scheduled for September 19 and 20, with the final on September 21.

Italy arrive as reigning champions and will again lean on Paolini, who said she relishes the team environment and will fight "until the last ball" if selected. The United States, with Jessica Pegula as their leading player in the absence of Coco Gauff, are widely regarded among the favorites, while Kazakhstan’s lineup includes 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, who...