Ukraine beats Belgium and reaches Billie Jean King Cup semifinals
Ukraine’s team will play in the semifinals (photo: FTU)
Ukraine’s women’s tennis team secured a hard-fought victory over Belgium in the quarterfinals of the Billie Jean King Cup. The fate of a place in the next round of the competition was decided in the doubles match, where the Ukrainian tennis players showed great character, according to the tournament results.
Billie Jean King Cup 2026. Quarterfinal
Ukraine – Belgium – 2:1
Anhelina Kalinina / Liudmyla Kichenok – Magali Kempen / Lara Salden – 6:3, 6:3
Winning finish in the doubles match
After Anhelina Kalinina’s success and Elina Svitolina’s unexpected defeat in the singles matches, the score in the quarterfinal clash between Ukraine and Belgium was tied at 1:1. Therefore, the semifinal spot was decided in the doubles match.
Ukraine’s team, consisting of Anhelina Kalinina and Liudmyla Kichenok, proved superior to the duo of Magali Kempen and Lara Salden. The first set was a close and uncompromising battle, with the players trading points, but the Ukrainians managed to take advantage of their chance. Breaking serve at 4:3, the Ukrainian duo confidently closed out the set 6:3.
In the second set, the Ukrainian pair continued to build on their success. Quickly taking control and securing another break, Kalinina and Kichenok took a 3:0 lead. Despite the Belgians’ attempts to turn the match around and cut the deficit, Ukraine’s team went on to secure a convincing victory.
Anhelina Kalinina secured two victories in Ukraine’s quarterfinal clash with Belgium
Bravo, Kalinina!
Anhelina Kalinina was the main driving force behind the “blue and yellow” team in the tie. Ukraine’s No. 6 player, who joined the team after Marta Kostyuk, Dayana Yastremska,
and Oleksandra Oliinykova withdrew from the previous squad selection, secured two victories. First in singles, and then in doubles.
This is Ukraine’s second consecutive semifinal appearance at the Billie Jean King Cup. Last year, our team lost at this stage to eventual champions Italy.
The Ukrainians’ opponents will be known later today after the clash between Italy and China. The semifinal will take place on September 26.
Ukraine reached the Billie Jean King Cup semifinals after defeating Belgium
