Elina Svitolina delivered a stirring performance in Shenzhen as Ukraine reached the semifinals of the Billie Jean King Cup for the first time in history. Her dramatic three-set victory over Spain’s Paula Badosa sealed the quarterfinal tie and sent the Ukrainian bench and crowd into a frenzy. The moment she dropped her racquet in celebration, the arena erupted in applause, capturing the emotion of a nation rising through sport.
A battle of resilience and heart
Svitolina overcame a tough opening set, eventually defeating Badosa 5-7, 6-2, 7-5 in a match that lasted over two hours. After falling behind early, she responded with aggressive baseline play and pinpoint accuracy, turning the tide in the second set. The decider saw both players trade breaks, but Svitolina held firm in the final games, fending off a break point at 5-5 before closing out the match with authority.
A team effort that transcends tennis
Speaking after the win, Svitolina emphasized the collective spirit behind Ukraine’s success. “I’m super-pleased with the team performance, not only my performance today, because you know it takes a lot of people,” she said. “All the guys here in the tracksuits of Ukraine, and the crowd as well made it really special for us today.” Her words reflected the unity and pride that have defined Ukraine’s campaign.
Kostyuk sets the tone with early win
Earlier in the day, Marta Kostyuk gave Ukraine the lead by defeating Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 7-6, 6-2. Her aggressive returns and court coverage frustrated the Spanish player, allowing Ukraine to take control of the tie. Kostyuk, now with a 9-3 singles record in the competition, spoke of the honor of representing her country, saying, “Just being here, doesn’t matter I win or lose, is such a big honour.”
A proud moment for a resilient nation
Ukraine’s advancement to the semifinals is more than a sporting achievement—it’s a symbol of perseverance and national pride. With Italy awaiting in the next round, the Ukrainian team carries the hopes of a country that continues to show strength through adversity. The roar of the crowd in Shenzhen was not just for a tennis victory, but for a moment that united and uplifted.
Elina Svitolina’s reaction after beating Badosa at Billie Jean King Cup
She drops her racquet & the crowd roars 🥹
For the first time in history, Ukraine is into the SF
What a proud moment these women are bringing to the brave people back home
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 17, 2025
Elina Svitolina in 2025
LLLLLWWWLL Ranked world no.13, Elina played her last match on the 17th of September when she surrendered to world no.96 Anna Bondar 6-2 6-4 in the 1st round of the U.S. Open (draw).
This season Svitolina has a 36-14 win-loss record. Svitolina has won 1 title in Rouen.
