Spain secures spot in Billie Jean King Cup semifinal with thrilling win over Kazakhstan

Spaniard Cristina Bucsa's marathon day at the 2026 Billie Jean King Cup on Wednesday, Sept. 23, resulted in Spain defeating Kazakhstan, 2-1, in the quarterfinal to advance to the semifinal for the first time since 2008.

After Bucsa dropped her singles match against Kazakhstan's Yulia Putintseva in the quarterfinal duel, Bucsa had to quickly regroup for a decisive doubles match with partner Sara Sorribes Tormo against Kazakhstan's Anna Danilina and Zhibek Kulambayeva.

"I talked to (Bucsa) and I asked her if she's available (to) play the doubles and she said, 'Yeah, I can play. I feel tired, but I'll go with all my energy," captain Carla Suarez Navarro said after the win. "Nothing is easy here, but I'm happy for Jessica (Bouzas Maneiro). I'm happy for Sara (Sorribes Tormo) and Cristina (Bucsa).

"But I'm really happy to be in the semifinals. … Our moment is now."

A depleted Bucsa and Sorribes Tormo dug deep to save 18 break points in the straight-set victory, securing a 6-2, 7-5 doubles win to punch a ticket to the semifinal. The doubles match lasted more than two hours, which came after Bucsa's singles match, which finished just under two hours.

"I tried to put…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/sports/