Magda Linette’s absence from the upcoming Billie Jean King Cup match against Switzerland in Biel has dealt a blow to Poland’s aspirations. The announcement, made by the Polish Tennis Association on Monday, cited family reasons for Linette’s inability to compete alongside her teammates led by world-ranking leader Iga Świątek. Despite Linette’s setback, the Polish contingent, including Magdalena Fręch, Katarzyna Kawa, and Maja Chwalińska, alongside captain Dawid Celt, have already begun preparations in Switzerland, with Świątek expected to join them on Tuesday.
Ranked 60th in the WTA, Linette’s absence presents a significant challenge for Poland, given her usual pivotal role in the team’s lineup. Poland, currently ranked 17th in the ITF’s national team rankings, faces Switzerland, positioned third, in a bid to secure a spot in the November Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Seville. The matches in Biel, contested on a hard court surface, promise intense competition, with Switzerland’s team, led by captain Heinz Guenthardt, featuring formidable players like Viktorija Golubic, Celine Naef, Simona Waltert, and Jil Teichmann.