The 2024 Billie Jean King Cup has seen the Polish women’s tennis team rise to new heights, led by world number two, Iga Świątek. Competing in an updated tournament format, Poland secured a hard-fought victory against the Czech Republic to reach the semifinals, where they will face Italy.
This marks a significant turnaround for the Polish team, which, in November 2023, fell short against Canada and Spain in Seville after entering with a wildcard. However, the team regained momentum in April, crushing Switzerland 4-0 in Biel during the qualifiers. This triumph propelled Poland from 17th to 9th in the women’s tennis team rankings—the largest leap among top teams this season.
The Polish squad, featuring Świątek, Magda Linette, Magdalena Fręch, Maja Chwalińska, and Katarzyna Kawa, began their final tournament campaign under difficult conditions. Heavy rains in Malaga delayed their opening match against Spain to November 15, but the Poles emerged victorious with a 2-0 win. Linette’s grueling four-hour match against Sara Sorribes Tormo ended in a 7-6, 2-6, 6-4 victory, while Świątek defeated Paula Badosa in a thrilling three-set match, 6-3, 6-7, 6-1.
Świątek’s heroics continued in the quarterfinals against the Czech Republic. She narrowly defeated Katerina Siniakova in singles and later teamed up with Kawa in doubles to secure the decisive point, overcoming Siniakova and Marie Bouzkova. Despite a loss by Fręch to Bouzkova earlier, Poland advanced to the semifinals.
The Polish team, coached by Dawid Celt, now has their sights set on a place in the final as they prepare to face Italy. With Świątek in top form, the white-and-red squad is poised for more success in this prestigious competition.