Eva Lys set to lead Germany in Billie Jean King Cup Play-Offs

This weekend, the tennis spotlight turns to Ismaning, a picturesque Bavarian town just outside Munich, as Germany, Turkey, and Belgium prepare to clash in Group F of the 2025 Billie Jean King Cup Play-Offs. With only the group winner earning a coveted spot in the 2026 Qualifiers, every match promises intensity, national pride, and high-quality tennis.

Germany will look to capitalize on home advantage and strong support from local fans, while Belgium and Turkey arrive determined to upset the hosts and secure progression on the indoor hard courts in Ismaning.

Late Roster Drama for Germany

Team Germany will compete with Eva Lys, Ella Seidel, Anna-Lena Friedsam, Jule Niemeier, and Tessa Brockmann. Only two minutes before the nomination deadline, the ITF granted approval for a last-minute line-up change.

With Laura Siegemund ruled out due to injury, 19-year-old Brockmann has been called up to make her debut for Germany’s Billie Jean King Cup team.

“First of all, a big thank you to Tessa,” said team captain Rainer Schüttler during media day on Thursday. “We called her yesterday afternoon during training in Itzehoe (Northern Germany). She immediately agreed, dropped everything, and caught the last flight to Munich last night.”

However, Schüttler expressed frustration over the complexity of the replacement process: “They required a passport that was more than two years old, but when you get a new one, you usually hand the old one in. So, we submitted ID cards, official documents, certificates, and birth records. She was born here, has lived in Germany her whole life, and has never represented another country. It’s surprising that the process was so complicated. This wasn’t a decision made in the spirit of supporting young players or the sport itself. The ITF should really reconsider this kind of bureaucracy.”

Once confirmation came through that Brockmann was eligible to compete, focus quickly shifted back to tennis—specifically, to Germany’s upcoming matches against Turkey and Belgium.

“We haven’t played either of these countries before. They’re both strong teams, but we’re strong too, and I feel like we have a really good chance this weekend,” said Lys.

A key advantage for the German squad could be playing at home at TC Ismaning.

“We’re very grateful to the German Tennis Federation (DTB) for making it possible to play on home soil,” said Schüttler. “It’s great, because it’s been a long time since we’ve had that opportunity. It’s always special to play in front of our own fans. At the same time, this is a very important tie for us—a relegation play-off. We have to win the group to stay in the World Group.”

Alongside Brockmann, Ella Seidel is also making her debut for the national team.

“I’m really happy to be part of the team and, of course, I’m ready to play,” said Seidel. “It would be an honor to compete, but I’ll support the team in any way I can.”

With Tatjana Maria, who withdrew earlier in the week due to injury, and Siegemund both sidelined, Schüttler is missing two Top 50 players. Yet his team remains the favorite in this group—none of the opponents have players ranked inside the Top 100.

Lys, Germany’s No. 1 at the end of the WTA season, has climbed steadily to world No. 40 thanks to her consistent performances. Debutant Seidel has also broken into the Top 100, increasingly translating her talent into strong results.

Germany is bidding to reach the Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers for the sixth time. They are making their second appearance in the Play-offs and their first since 2022.

Germany to Face Turkey in the Opening Tie

The home team will open the tie on Friday against Turkey, who are bidding to reach the Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers for the first time.

Zeynep Sönmez, Çağla Büyükakçay, Ayla Aksu, Berfu Cengiz, and İpek Öz are part of the team, which is making its first appearance in the Play-offs.

“We are at this stage for the first time,” team captain Alaattin Bora Gerçeker said. “We arrived on Sunday, and everything has been great so far. On Monday, we practiced at another site where conditions were similar. Here, however, it’s a bit slower—which we prefer.”

Belgium with Up-and-Coming Players

Team Belgium presents a young and talented lineup led by veteran Greet Minnen. She is joined by 17-year-old Jeline Vandromme, the Junior World No. 2 who captured this year’s titles at the US Open Junior Championships as well as the ITF World Tennis Tour Junior Finals, along with Hanne Vandewinkel (21), Sofia Costoulas (20), and Magali Kempen.

“We arrived on Monday and already had a short session in the evening,” team captain Wim Fissette explained. “So far, things have been good. The court is nice. I think it’s going to be very cozy during the weekend, and we expect a great atmosphere. We’ve practiced a lot to fine-tune the girls’ games. Everyone feels good and healthy. We’re ready for the weekend.”

Last season, Belgium fell to the United States 0–4 in the Qualifiers in Orlando, Florida, before losing 2–3 to China, P.R. in the Play-offs in Guangzhou, which led to their relegation to the 2025 Europe/Africa Group I.

“We have a couple of young players in the squad. It’s nice to see how they’re taking steps forward. Obviously, Greet has a lot of experience—and Magali in doubles—but the three younger players have made a big impact during the year. We know we’re not the favorites, but we’re here with more belief than a year ago.”

Belgium, who won the Billie Jean King Cup in 2001, will start against Turkey on Saturday, followed by the final tie of the weekend against Germany.