Shenzhen, China – Jessica Pegula and Taylor Townsend sent the United States to the Billy Gold Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2021 after defeating Hazakhstan 2-1 on Thursday.
Pegula and Townsend led 6-2, 7-6 (1) in the doubles decision.
In singles, Emma Navarro shocked Putintseva 7-5, 2-6, 7-6 (6) after saving two match points. Putintseva led 6-4 in the tiebreak, but Navarro scored the last 4 points after 2 1/2 hours.
Former Wimbledon champion Rybakina beat Pegula 6-4, 6-1 in the top ten clash to beat the quarterfinals 6-1.
Pegula, paired with Townsend, lost to Rybakina for the first time in 2 1/2 years, the world’s No. 1 and two-time minority doubles champions, has caused some controversy in their comments about Chinese cuisine this week.
Townsend dominated the first set, while the American couple strided through the second set to win, winning the double failure of Rybakina.
“I want to redeem myself a little for her (Rybakina) and try to help my team win,” Pegula said.
The United States will play against Britain in the semifinals on Saturday.
Britain beat Japan after winning two straight singles in the quarterfinals.
Sonay Kartal overcomes Ena Shibahara 6-3, 7-6 (4). Shibahara scored a breakthrough 5-4 in the second set, leading 3-1 in the tiebreak. Katie Boulter won the tie by defeating Moyuka Uchijima 6-2, 6-1 in their first professional game.
In the draw’s other half, Ukraine faced defending champion Italy in the semifinals on Friday. Marta Kostyuk and Elina Svitolina won singles on Jessica Bouzas Maneiro and Paula Badosa respectively, bringing Ukraine into the final four games. Italy defeated the host country.
The BJK Cup was formerly known as the Fed Cup, and the United States was the most successful team to win 18 times, but has not been since 2017.
