POL 2-1 CZE: Swiatek doubles down to lead Poland to victory

Ultimately, the plaudits go to Kawa and Swiatek as they delivered so spectacularly for their nation. They were, after all, facing Siniakova – the world’s No.1-ranked women’s doubles player.

“It’s amazing that we have made history for Poland – a dream come true,” said Swiatek. “I missed playing this event a couple of times, but now I have the chance to play I want to make an impact and do something well.

“I am so happy that I finally got the opportunity and this tournament is amazing. The atmosphere is great and the whole experience is wonderful. I’m so happy also that we have such amazing players in the team.

“I am super proud of Katarzyna, myself and the whole team for fighting today because in doubles we weren’t the favourites.

“I’m super happy that Katarzyna was leading the doubles, picking the right tactics and telling me what to do as I haven’t played doubles in a while. I think we made a really good team.”

With the tie going the distance and finishing after midnight, perhaps it is a stretch to say Kawa celebrated her birthday while on court, but she turned 32 during the doubles.

“I didn’t know it was my birthday at the time,” she said. “I didn’t know what time it was but, for sure, it’s a very special birthday for me.

“We played against very tough opponents. I know how good Iga is and I know her strengths. I just tried to do my best and play at the highest level possible, so we had a chance.

“As Iga said, we weren’t the favourites. I have played against Katerina a couple of times and she has beaten me – and I wasn’t going to lose again. I’m happy we made it.”

The evening started with Poland captain Dawid Celt shuffling his pack and opting for Frech to take on Bouzkova as opposed to Magda Linette who played the opening singles against Spain on Friday.

Linette was victorious against Sara Sorribes Tormo but it took three hours and 51 minutes to seal the win. The selection of Frech was therefore unsurprising, although Linette was this evening sporting strapping on her shoulder.

The switch did not initially go to plan as world No. 45 Bouzkova surged into a 4-0 lead inside 15 minutes and duly waltzed away with the opening set.

Frech, however, is a player on the cusp of the Top 20 and was never going to go quietly. The 26-year-old came roaring back in the second set only for Bouzkova to hold her nerve during the match’s business end.

In the second singles, Swiatek triumphed but it was no walk in the park. Noskova was unrelenting and on more than one occasion she hinted at repeating her success against Swiatek at January’s Australian Open.

The Czech teenager recovered from a set down to level before going toe-to-toe during an enthralling third set in which she trailed 4-1 before retaliating once again and pushing Swiatek all the way.

This was a monumental performance from Noskova and one she can look back on with immense pride, yet the spoils belonged to Swiatek as she kept alive Poland’s dream of a maiden Billie Jean King Cup semi-final.

Swiatek was not originally nominated to play the doubles but after levelling the tie she sprinted off court, suggesting she may well be about to contest her first doubles match since 2021. She did not disappoint.

Despite defeat, Czechia deserve considerable credit also. The 11-time champions were rocked on the eve of the Finals by the withdrawal through injury of former world No. 8 Karolina Muchova.

The subsequent call-up of Sara Bejlek and Dominika Salkova meant three of their players in Malaga were under the age of 21, although there was no lack of quality or endeavour.

Czechia captain Petr Pala insisted that his nation’s history in the competition – they won six titles between 2011 and 2018 – gives them an aura and generates a level of fear. In some senses, despite the loss, those assertions are founded.

It is Poland's moment, however.