Bucsa and Bouzas Propel Spain to BJK Cup Finals

Spain secured their ticket to the Billie Jean King Cup finals in record time. Following a flawless day against Brazil, whom Carla Suárez's team defeated with a resounding 3-0, they overcame the Czech Republic 2-0, advanced past the group stage, and qualified for the knockout rounds in Shenzhen, China.

Victories by Cristina Bucsa and Jessica Bouzas over Marie Bouzkova and Linda Noskova guaranteed Spain a spot in the finals to be held in China, after the US Open, from September 15 to 21. There, they will face China, the host nation, Italy, the reigning champion, Kazakhstan, and Great Britain, while awaiting the other three opponents.

Bucsa was the surprise of the day for Spain, after captain Carla Suárez decided to field her instead of Sara Sorribes, who had won her two matches on Friday, due to Bucsa's extensive knowledge of Bouzkova. The Czech and the Spaniard regularly play doubles on the circuit, and Spain capitalised on this, with Bucsa securing a great victory 7-5, 6-1, particularly excelling with her serve, which she only conceded once.

Bucsa's triumph left Spain in an excellent position. They needed just one point from the next two matches to secure passage to Shenzhen, and Bouzas, in only her second match in the competition, proved she is made for such scenarios.

There was no suspense, as the player from Pontevedra surprised Noskova, a top 35 WTA player, 6-4, 6-2. She consistently led the scoreboard and, unfazed by the home advantage the Czechs had playing in Ostrava under their conditions, fast court and indoor, Bouzas unleashed joy on the Spanish bench when she sealed the victory in two sets, qualifying Spain for Shenzhen without needing to resort to doubles.

For the fifth consecutive year, Spain will be in the finals. With the new format, they will play directly in the quarter-finals, hoping for better luck in the draw than last year, when in Málaga's farewell, they were paired with Iga Swiatek's Poland, who, despite the battle shown, eliminated the Spanish team.

This year, the tournament has moved its dates forward and will be played in September after the conclusion of the US Open and before the start of the Asian tour, aiming to ease travel and fatigue for the players.