Big battle in Shenzhen with 1xBet
22 September 2026(PRESS RELEASE) -- From 22-27 September, the Shenzhen Bay Sports Center Arena will become the center of the women’s team tennis world. Eight national teams will battle it out over six days in a knockout format to crown the new Billie Jean King Cup champion, one of the most prestigious team competitions in women’s tennis.
The event's scale reflects its global appeal: a record 148 nations have entered the competition at various levels in 2026. Reaching the final eight in such a competitive field is already a major achievement. And as a Global Partner of the event, 1xBet will be at the heart of one of the most exciting events in women’s sports.
No Margin for Error
For the second year in a row, eight nations will compete in the final stage. Previously, 12 nations competed for the title, but in 2025 the competition switched to a compact eight-team knockout format, mirroring the Davis Cup Final 8. There is virtually no room for error now, with the quarterfinals, semifinals and Final ahead.
Each tie consists of two singles matches followed by a doubles match, played if needed. The first nation to win two matches advances to the next round. All matches are played as best-of-three tiebreak sets, with each tie completed in a single day.
Who Will Play in Shenzhen
Ukraine, Italy, Great Britain, Spain, Czechia, Kazakhstan, Belgium and host nation China will compete for the 2026 Billie Jean King Cup title.
Italy will be at the center of one of the tournament’s biggest storylines. The defending champions have won the last two editions and claimed their sixth title in 2025. Now they have a chance to claim an impressive third consecutive title. Jasmine Paolini will once again be joined by the vastly experienced Sara Errani, whose doubles expertise can provide the team with much-needed stability.
China qualified automatically as the host nation and will look to make the most of home-court advantage. The team’s biggest star is Zheng Qinwen, the 2024 Paris Olympic champion. For her, the September tournament will also be a chance to once again experience the special atmosphere of representing her country.
Ukraine will compete in the final eight for the second year in a row and head to Shenzhen as the No. 3 seed. A year ago, the Ukrainians, known for their incredible fighting spirit, reached the semifinals for the first time. Now Elina Svitolina will once again lead the team. Ukraine also has a strong doubles option in Lyudmyla Kichenok, a former world No. 3 in doubles.
Czechia also deserves special attention. The 11-time champions return to the elite stage after missing out last season. In April, the Czechs defeated Switzerland 3-2 in a dramatic tie, with Linda Noskova keeping her team alive at a crucial moment against Belinda Bencic.
Among the tournament’s biggest stars are players capable of turning a match around single-handedly. Kazakhstan’s world No. 1 Elena Rybakina dreams of bringing her country its first title. Belgium, meanwhile, arrives as the tournament’s biggest dark horse after knocking out the record champions, the United States.
Billie Jean King Cup Finals 2026 Schedule
Tuesday, September 22
Czechia vs Great Britain — Quarterfinal 1
Wednesday, September 23
Spain vs Kazakhstan — Quarterfinal 2
Thursday, September 24
Ukraine vs Belgium — Quarterfinal 3
China vs Italy — Quarterfinal 4
Friday, September 25
Semifinal 1 — Quarterfinal 1 winner vs Quarterfinal 2 winner
Saturday, September 26
Semifinal 2 — Quarterfinal 3 winner vs Quarterfinal 4 winner
Sunday, September 27
Final
Partnership on Global Scale
Interest in women’s team tennis continues to grow, and 1xBet partnership with the Billie Jean King Cup reinforces the tournament’s standing on the international stage. The involvement of a global brand in the tournament’s communications reflects a high level of confidence in both the event and its audience. For fans, it is a chance to get closer to the action, feel the pulse of every point, and immerse themselves in the unique team atmosphere that sets the competition apart from the traditional individual tour.
There will be no room for error in Shenzhen. Eight teams, a knockout format, and just one trophy. From September 22 to 27, the tennis world will move at a relentless pace, with momentum capable of shifting at any moment. That is the essence of the Billie Jean King Cup: fast-paced, emotional, and unpredictable. This is one event you simply can’t miss.