Emma Navarro’s hard-fought heroics in Thursday’s thrilling quarterfinal victory over Kazakhstan have put the United States back in the Billie Jean King Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2021.
They will now take on Britain, who easily defeated Japan to earn a spot in the semi-finals for the second time in a row.
The American Charge Is Led by Navarro
Navarro saved two match points and overcame behind in all three sets to defeat Yulia Putintseva in a lengthy 7-5, 2-6, 7-6 (8/6) victory. Playing her first complete season in the tournament, the 23-year-old characterized the victory as a result of her willpower.
According to Navarro, “It’s just a lot of grit, a lot of resilience, and the pride of playing with my country’s flag on my shirt.”
Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan responded with a decisive 6-4, 6-1 victory against world No. 7 Jessica Pegula. Pegula swiftly recovered, though, and went back on the court with Taylor Townsend to defeat Rybakina and Putintseva 6-2, 7-6 (7/1) in doubles to end the match.
“I’m really pleased and proud of all the women on this team,” said Lindsay Davenport, the captain of the United States. “We came here not to advance to the semifinals. This marks the beginning of what we knew would be a difficult week.
Japan is cruised past by Britain.
Sonay Kartal earlier gave Britain the ideal start by defeating Ena Shibahara in a calm 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) victory. The 23-year-old made her competition debut in April and is still unbeaten.
The 2-0 triumph was then completed in spectacular fashion by team captain Katie Boulter, who defeated Moyuka Uchijima 6-2, 6-1 in just 68 minutes.
Boulter acknowledged that she is keen to make up for last year’s semi-final loss to Slovakia, saying, “Sonay put a clinical performance out there so she makes it really easy to follow.” “We have another chance to make it to the final. I hope we can continue to make progress. I’m hoping that this is our moment.
