The stage is set for a historic showdown as Ukraine and Spain clash in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Billie Jean King Cup Finals on September 17 in Shenzhen. For the first time in their history, the Ukrainian national tennis team has advanced to the final stage of this prestigious competition, and the sense of anticipation could hardly be higher. With a new, more exclusive tournament format that whittles the field down to just eight teams over six days, every point, every set, and every match carries enormous weight.
Ukraine’s journey to this point has been nothing short of remarkable. After years of near misses and heartbreak, the team finally broke through by toppling Poland and Switzerland in the qualifiers. Their reward? A spot among the world’s elite and a date with Spain, one of the tournament’s perennial powerhouses. The format is simple but unforgiving: each tie consists of three matches, and the first nation to claim two advances. There’s no room for error, and the pressure is palpable.
Leading the Ukrainian charge is Elina Svitolina, currently ranked No. 13 in the WTA singles rankings. Svitolina’s season has been a rollercoaster—she suffered her worst US Open result in 11 years, falling in the first round to Anna Bondar, yet she has also displayed the resilience and class that have defined her career. In April, she captured a WTA title in Rouen, her first in nearly two years, and has compiled an impressive 35-14 record in 2025.
"Team spirit is very important," Svitolina told the Great Tennis of Ukraine portal. "We have strong tennis players, many of whom are in the top 100. It’s always good to have a choice. This isn’t easy for the captain, but it’s good when there are people to choose from. I am very happy that we finally made the final. So many years we have been trying to qualify. Finally we’re here, and we are enjoying every moment."
Alongside Svitolina, Ukraine boasts a formidable lineup: Marta Kostyuk (No. 26 in singles, No. 79 in doubles), Yulia Starodubtseva (No. 87 singles), Lyudmyla Kichenok (No. 32 doubles, 2024 US Open champion), and Nadiya Kichenok (No. 55 doubles). Notably, Kateryna Zavatska has made way for Starodubtseva in this campaign, reflecting the depth and flexibility of the Ukrainian squad.
Spain, meanwhile, counters with its own blend of star power and up-and-coming talent. Paula Badosa, ranked No. 20, returns to the court after battling a persistent lower back and psoas injury that sidelined her for several months. Her 2025 season has been a mix of highs and lows—a semifinal run at the Australian Open showcased her potential, but repeated withdrawals, including from the US Open and Madrid, have cast doubt on her match fitness. Still, when healthy, Badosa’s heavy baseline game and powerful forehand can trouble anyone on tour.
"It helps. It helps. Coming back from the injury, you feel [at] times a little bit alone. You have ups and downs. Having these people by your side, your people by your side, it's always helpful. It motivates me," Badosa said ahead of her return to team play. The Spanish squad is rounded out by Jessica Bouzas Maneiro (No. 51), who has enjoyed a breakout year with deep runs at Wimbledon, Cincinnati, and the Canadian Open, as well as Cristina Bucsa (No. 63 singles, No. 30 doubles), Leyre Romero Gormaz (No. 127 singles), and Aliona Bolsova (No. 251 singles, No. 122 doubles).
The opening singles match will see Bouzas Maneiro take on Kostyuk in their first-ever head-to-head. Bouzas Maneiro has already proven her mettle, having clinched crucial wins in the qualifiers against much higher-ranked opponents, including Beatriz Haddad Maia and Linda Noskova. Kostyuk, for her part, is coming off a strong US Open showing, reaching the third round and matching her personal best at the tournament.
All eyes, though, are on the main event: Badosa versus Svitolina. Their only previous meeting was a three-set thriller at Eastbourne in 2021, where Svitolina edged out a victory after a dramatic tiebreak. Svitolina’s consistency, elite court coverage, and ability to win long rallies have made her the more stable player this season. Badosa, despite her fitness concerns, has the power to turn matches on their head if she finds her rhythm.
Statistically, Svitolina holds the edge with a 1-0 head-to-head record, and most betting predictions favor her to win in three sets. The consensus among analysts is that both players are likely to take a set, with the match expected to exceed 20.5 total games—hardly a surprise given their styles and the stakes involved.
Should the singles matches end in a split, the tie will be decided by doubles—a scenario that could play to Ukraine’s strengths. The Kichenok twins, Lyudmyla and Nadiya, are proven doubles specialists, with Lyudmyla claiming the 2024 US Open title. Spain’s likely pairing would involve Bucsa and Bolsova, though captain Carla Suárez Navarro may have to tinker with her lineup depending on how the singles unfold.
The winner of this high-stakes encounter will face Italy, who already dispatched China in their own quarterfinal. The Italians, reigning champions, are waiting in the wings, ready to defend their crown. For Ukraine, victory over Spain would represent not just another step in a dream run, but a shot at a first-ever final in the Billie Jean King Cup—a goal that has long seemed out of reach.
The atmosphere in Shenzhen is electric as fans from both nations descend on the city, bringing energy, color, and optimism. The Ukrainian side, captained by Illya Marchenko, is determined to seize this opportunity, while Spain, under the guidance of Carla Suárez Navarro, is hungry to return to the semifinals for the first time in 17 years.
As the action gets underway, all the ingredients are in place for a classic: top-tier talent, compelling storylines, and the ever-present drama of knockout tennis. Will Svitolina’s steadiness and team spirit carry Ukraine to new heights, or will Badosa’s comeback script take center stage for Spain? One thing’s for sure—the tennis world will be watching every moment as these two proud nations battle for a place in history.
With the tie still to be played, the outcome remains anyone’s guess. But whatever happens, Ukraine’s breakthrough and Spain’s determination have already made this a Billie Jean King Cup quarterfinal to remember.
