Noskova, Muchova take Czech Republic into Billie Jean King Cup final

Czech Republic's Karolina Muchova played her first Billie Jean King Cup match since 2022. | Photo Credit: AP

Top-10 duo Linda Noskova and Karolina Muchova carried the Czech Republic back to the final of the Billie Jean King Cup for the first time since 2018 with convincing victories over Spain in Shenzhen on Friday.

Wimbledon champion Noskova beat Cristina Bucsa 7-6 (7/5), 6-2 to complete the semifinal win, after Muchova, this year’s Wimbledon runner-up, put the Czechs in front with a 7-5, 6-4 success against Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.

The Czech Republic will be seeking a 12th Billie Jean King Cup title, and a first in eight years, when it faces Ukraine or defending champion Italy in Sunday’s final.

Noskova gave a stone-cold “no” when she was asked if she will be feeling pressure in the final this weekend, before cracking a smile.

“It’s a final, we have to enjoy it,” she added.

“It’s a privilege to be here and fight for the title, but it’s all about playing our tennis and being focused.”

World number eight Muchova did not feature in the Czech line-up that beat Great Britain in the quarterfinals last Tuesday but reported for duty on Friday to play her first Billie Jean King Cup match since 2022.

Facing an inspired Bouzas Maneiro in the opening singles of the semifinal tie, Muchova erased a 2-4 deficit before claiming a crucial break in the 11th game that led her to a one-set lead in 58 gruelling minutes.

The second set was also a tight affair but Muchova relied on her crafty game to edge past the Spanish world number 93, who later expressed her admiration for her opponent.

“She’s honestly one of my favourite players on tour,” said Bouzas Maneiro of 30-year-old Muchova.

“Me and my coach, we’re always talking about how talented she is, how she plays. It’s really beautiful to watch her playing tennis. When I knew that I was playing against her, I was happy for that because I wanted to play against such a player.”

The Czechs are considered the strongest team in Shenzhen this week, with top-10 players featuring on their roster in both singles and doubles.

Italy will square off with Ukraine in the second semifinal on Saturday at the Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre, bidding for a fourth consecutive final appearance and a third straight title at the Billie Jean King Cup.