This week’s Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers will see a number of star players in action for their countries, including world No. 1 Iga Swiatek and four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka.
The 16 nations in qualifying action will be looking to book their place at the Billie Jean King Cup finals in November.
The winners of the ties will advance to the finals, while the losers will compete in the play-offs later this year to try to earn a place in the 2025 qualifiers.
Who’s playing and which players are missing out? Read on for everything you need to know about the 2024 Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers…
Who’s playing in the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers?
The eight qualifying ties are:
- Australia v Mexico
- Switzerland v Poland
- France v Great Britain
- USA v Belgium
- Japan v Kazakhstan
- Brazil v Germany
- Slovakia v Slovenia
- Ukraine v Romania
The eight winners will join Canada (2023 champions), Italy (2023 runners-up), Spain (host) and Czech Republic (wild card) at the finals.
Iga Swiatek opted not to play for Poland at the finals two years ago because of the “unsafe” schedule that would have seen her quickly travelling from Texas to Scotland to compete.
The world No. 1 also didn’t play last year, but is back in the squad for the first time since playing in the 2022 qualifiers.
Swiatek has won nine of 12 Billie Jean King Cup matches and will give Poland’s chances of making the finals a significant boost.
Naomi Osaka is also back for Japan, making her first appearance in four years in the tie in Tokyo against Kazakhstan.
Osaka has enjoyed an encouraging start to the season following her return to the tour after giving birth.
“She said that she wants to play, so I’m really happy,” said Japan captain Ai Sugiyama. “We’re aiming for the very top. The players have the potential.”
By playing for Japan, Osaka could help her chances of competing at the Olympics this summer.
To be eligible for the Games, players need to have represented their country twice in the Billie Jean King Cup during the four-year Olympic cycle, with one of those appearances in 2023 or 2024.
Osaka does not meet the criteria but there are exemptions for players who have had time away from tennis, plus two spots for former Grand Slam winners.
Another new mum, Angelique Kerber, will be in action for Germany as they face Brazil, who will be led by Beatriz Haddad Maia.
Elina Svitolina will compete in the tie for Ukraine, making her first appearance since 2012.
Jessica Pegula will lead the United States team against Belgium in the absence of Coco Gauff.
In-form Emma Navarro is set to make her debut, with Madison Keys, Taylor Townsend and Caroline Dolehide also in the team.
Who’s playing for Great Britain?
British No. 1 Boulter will lead the team and will be joined by Emma Raducanu, Harriet Dart, Heather Watson and debutant Francesca Jones in Le Portel.
Raducanu will be playing for the first time since making her debut against the Czech Republic in 2022.
“Obviously the No. 1 thing is that she’s healthy. I’ve always said it for myself and it’s my biggest wish for her as well is that she can stay as healthy as possible. We’re going to be welcoming her with open arms for sure.”
France are led by world No. 23 Caroline Garcia.
When are the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers?
The Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers will take place on April 12-13.
The finals will be held in Seville, Spain later this year.
What’s the format for the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers?
Each tie will be played across five matches (four singles and one doubles).
The four singles matches will be followed by the deciding doubles match if needed. The matches are best-of-three sets.