Led by Elina Svitolina, Ukraine turns to Amelia Island as home venue for BJK Cup Qualifiers

This weekend, the Billie Jean King Cup returns with tickets to November’s Finals on the line.

While seven nations are set to play qualifiers in front of local fans on April 12-13 across the globe, the eighth host country is once again making the most of a temporary home in its bid to join 2023 champion Canada, 2023 finalist Italy, Spain and the Czech Republic in Seville later this year.

Led by Elina Svitolina, Ukraine has turned to the Omni Amelia Island Resort in northeast Florida to stage its tie against Romania. The Svitolina Foundation—which manages the Ukrainian women’s national team in the competition—is bringing professional tennis back to a familiar setting that was once a staple of the WTA calendar from 1980-2008 after collaborating with a long-time ally from West Texas in the Bush Tennis Center and its executive director Tim Stallard to identify and secure a venue.

“Our partnership is now over five years. We’ve been doing events all around the world. For me, it’s amazing to have partners like this where we can make some great projects. People can enjoy their time on and off the court and raise money for a good cause,” Svitolina tells TENNIS.com.

Stallard first worked with Svitolina when she offered a hand in 2018 to support his center’s Bush-Wikse Ace Outreach Program that affords a range of free and discounted in-school, after-school and summer programs to elementary-aged kids. A few months later, he returned the favor in helping get her foundation up and running.

“We are stronger together. Elina is an amazing role model and inspiration to kids from Odessa, Texas to Odesa, Ukraine,” Stallard says. “When she contacted me and asked us to help find a safe place for Ukraine to play Romania, we were able to get the amazing support from Cliff Drysdale Management and Omni Amelia Island.  I’m so thankful for everyone who has stepped up to support Ukraine and welcome Romania to beautiful Amelia Island.

“We are confident that love wins.”

Svitolina and her teammates haven’t contested a tie within their borders since defeating Japan in April 2021 with a 4-0 victory during the play-off phase of the event. On February 24, 2022, Ukraine was invaded by Russian troops with a series of missile strikes. In a report published by the Associated Press last week, more than a half a million people have been killed or severely injured during the ongoing war.

When Ukraine was drawn to host the Czech Republic in a 2023 qualifier, that tie was played out on clay in Antalya, Turkey. The Czech squad prevailed 3-1 to advance. Svitolina was not present, as she had just launched her comeback from an indefinite tour break that later saw the Odessa native give birth to daughter Skai in October 2022 alongside husband Gael Monfils.

Elina is an amazing role model and inspiration to kids from Odessa, Texas to Odesa, Ukraine.

The former world No. 3 went on to earn 2023 WTA Comeback Player of the Year honors after returning to the Top 25 with a Wimbledon semifinal run among her highlights. She has since climbed as high as No. 17 this year, having opened her season with a runner-up finish in Auckland.

The 29-year-old, who captured the bronze medal in singles at the Tokyo Olympics, is due to suit up for her 18th tie.

“Super excited to be playing against Romania in Amelia Island. We wish we could play a home tie in Ukraine, but due to the war it was not possible,” said Svitolina. “We started our preparation as it’s not that far from Charleston. Which is good for us, because the trip is not that long.”

Two singles matches will be contested Friday, with reverse encounters be played out Saturday. If Ukraine and Romania split those, a deciding doubles rubber will determine the advancing nation.

Simona Halep was previously announced to headline Romania’s lineup, but withdrew with a medical issue. The two-time major winner made her competitive return three weeks ago in a Miami loss to Paula Badosa after winning her doping appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Ana Bogdan and Jaqueline Cristian lead the charge for the visiting nation.

Svitolina is joined by Lesia Tsurenko, Yuliia Starodubtseva, Lyudmyla Kichenok and Nadiia Kichenok for the showdown on green clay.