Great Britain knocks out defending champion Canada to advance to BJK Cup semifinals

MALAGA, Spain (AP) — Britain kept alive its hopes of winning the Billie Jean King Cup for the first time by defeating defending champion Canada in Sunday’s quarterfinals in Malaga.

Katie Boulter clinched the 2-0 victory with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Leylah Fernandez after Emma Raducanu defeated Rebecca Marino 6-0, 7-5 in the first singles match of the tie.

“I think we have got a great team. We’ve always got a great chance,” Boulter said. “I think every single day anything can happen. We’re just going to keep believing, keep trusting it, and just keep enjoying it. I think that’s really important. It’s worked so well for us so far.”

Four-time finalist Britain is yet to win the title, though it’s the second time in three years that it has made it to the last four. Canada clinched its first title last year.

“You know what? We can’t win them all, and I think credit to Team Great Britain, because I think both girls played complete matches today,” Canada captain Heidi El Tabakh said.

Britain next faces Slovakia in the semifinals.

“It’s fantastic. It really is a brilliant achievement for the team,” Britain captain Anne Keothavong said. “But like I said on court, you know, the job is far from over.”

Slovakia keeps momentum

Slovakia followed up its win over the United States with a 2-0 victory against Australia to reach the last four.

Rebecca Sramkova cruised to a 6-1, 6-2 win over Ajla Tomljanovic to clinch Slovakia the victory after Viktoria Hruncakova rallied to defeat Kimberly Birrell 7-5, 6-7 (4), 6-3 for her sixth straight BJK Cup win counting singles and doubles.

Slovakia had beaten the U.S. — the competition’s most successful nation — in the first round of the finals in Malaga.

Iga Swiatek’s Poland, seeking its first title, will face Italy in the other semifinal.

Italy lost last year’s final to Canada.