Preview: Poland v Czechia

Czechia built up something of a dynasty in this competition during the 2010s, winning six titles in that period, all under the captaincy of Petr Pala. But they’ve yet to win the Billie Jean King by Gainbridge Cup since the revamping of the format in 2021. If they beat Poland, they will be into the semi-finals for the third straight season.

Poland, meanwhile, are one of four teams competing in Malaga this week who haven’t previously won the tournament. In fact, they’ve never been beyond the quarter-finals, so victory over Czechia would mean they break new ground and reach the last four for the first time.

They are unbeaten in their last six ties in which Iga Swiatek has been part of the team.

Czechia have dominated this match-up in the past, winning all three of their previous Billie Jean King Cup encounters.

The first of those was back in 1966 while the most recent was just a couple of years ago at the 2022 Finals in Glasgow. Czechia won 2-1, with Katerina Siniakova partnering Marketa Vondrousova to win the decisive doubles.

The tie will be headlined by world No. 2 Iga Swiatek as she looks to keep up her strong recent form in the competition for Poland. She is undefeated in Billie Jean King Cup in the last five years with Friday’s victory over Paula Badosa improving her record in that time to 8-0.

But that will be put to the test against Czechia who are likely to select Linda Noskova to face Swiatek. The teenager - who celebrates her 20th birthday on Sunday - knocked Swiatek out of the Australian Open in January.

Poland also have the option of switching up their No.2 singles player if Magda Linette hasn’t recovered in time from her three hour 51 minute epic against Sara Sorribes Tormo. She could be replaced by Magdalena Frech who has enjoyed a career-best season and is now on the verge of the Top 20.

Czechia captain Petr Pela, meanwhile, is overseeing a youthful side. They are the only team in Malaga with multiple players aged 21 or under, with Sara Bejlek and Dominika Salkova both waiting for their Billie Jean King Cup debuts. Doubles world No. 1 Siniakova and Marie Bouzkova provide more experience.

Czech captain Petr Pala on his team’s recent record at the revamped Billie Jean King Cup Finals: “We played the semis two times. I think that’s pretty good. But we won many times before, so I think as the format changed, I think the previous one was very difficult to beat us in five matches.

“Now the competition is more open, more teams, which is the way it is, and more teams have a chance to win it.”

Iga Swiatek on possibly facing Linda Noskova: “I remember for sure the match in Australian Open. It was kind of heartbreaking for me to lose this one. She's a really good player. She's reading the courts really well. Has a big serve and really smooth technique.

“I remember also our match in Miami. Also it was pretty tight and intense. So for sure it's not going to be easy.”