SHENZHEN — Czech Republic eased past Ukraine 2-0 to win the Billie Jean King Cup for the 12th time at the Finals in Shenzhen, China, denying Ukraine a first title in the competition. Wimbledon finalists Karolina Muchova and Linda Noskova delivered straight-sets victories to seal the championship.
Muchova, the runner-up at Wimbledon, set the tone in the opening singles with a comfortable 6-2, 6-3 win over Anhelina Kalinina. Noskova then clinched the tie with a 6-3, 7-6 (7-5) victory over world No. 7 Elina Svitolina to secure the 2-0 triumph without the need for a deciding doubles.
The title is the Czechs' first at the event since 2018 and moves them to second on the all-time list behind the United States, who have 18 titles. It also marks a first win as captain for Barbora Strycova, who previously won the competition three times as a player. As a team, the Czechs dropped just one set throughout the tournament in Shenzhen.
The strong Czech side had earlier knocked out Great Britain in the quarter-finals. GB captain Anne Keothavong described them as "the strongest team here" after that defeat, a judgment confirmed by their composed finish against Ukraine in the final.