Svitolina leads Ukraine past Spain into historic BJK Cup semi, bringing rare joy to war-hit nation

Elina Svitolina says Ukraine’s historic run to the Billie Jean King Cup semi-finals is about more than just tennis. For her, Marta Kostyuk, and their teammates, it is about offering fleeting moments of joy and hope to a homeland still engulfed in war.

On Wednesday in Shenzhen, Ukraine carved their names into the record books with a 2-0 victory over Spain, a five-time champion of the competition. It marked the nation’s first ever progression to the last four of what has been dubbed the “World Cup of Tennis.” For Svitolina, 31, the achievement carried heavy symbolic weight.

“This is about inspiring the next generation,” she reflected afterwards. “Because of the war, our sport has been set back by years. These moments of joy, even if small, are important. They help Ukrainians to carry on when things are really difficult.”

The day began with 23-year-old Kostyuk producing a gritty comeback to defeat Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 7-6(3), 6-2. From a break down in the opening set, she dug deep to seize control and place Ukraine on the brink of history.

That left Svitolina, currently ranked World No. 13, with the task of sealing the tie against former World No. 2 Paula Badosa. It was far from straightforward. Badosa, returning from a chronic back injury and making her first competitive appearance since Wimbledon, stunned the Ukrainian by taking the opening set 7-5.

But Svitolina’s resilience, so often her trademark, came to the fore. She levelled emphatically by capturing the second set 6-2, then battled through a nerve-shredding decider. Even as Badosa clawed back from 1-4 down, Svitolina held firm to clinch it 7-5. When the final ball sailed out, Ukraine’s bench erupted in celebration.

The victory sparked scenes of elation not just in Shenzhen but also across Ukraine, where fans were able to watch via a free live stream. “Everybody back home is watching,” Svitolina said. “It’s an amazing moment for us, and I feel like we need more of them. They inspire Ukrainians every day.”

Svitolina admitted she was not at her sharpest, praising Badosa’s shot-making and serve, but she was relieved to get the job done without leaving the tie to a deciding doubles match. “She played really well,” she acknowledged. “I expected a battle, and that’s exactly what it was.”

For Ukraine, whose sporting infrastructure has been ravaged by Russia’s invasion, the breakthrough carries enormous resonance. Svitolina, who also won Olympic bronze at Tokyo 2020, framed it as a victory for perseverance itself. “Happy to be part of this great team, a team that brings these little wins,” she said.

Their next challenge is a daunting semi-final against holders Italy, but Svitolina sees opportunity in the pressure. “We have lots to fight for,” she insisted. “For us, every match is about more than points or rankings. It’s about showing strength.”

From the ashes of conflict, Ukraine’s tennis stars have delivered a story of resilience, determination, and historic achievement. On the courts of Shenzhen, they proved that sport can still carve out rare moments of light, even in the darkest of times.