Elina Svitolina posts message on social media after Ukraine’s loss in the Billie Jean King Cup final

Elina Svitolina and the Ukrainian Billie Jean King Cup team suffered heartbreak on Sunday afternoon.

Ukraine qualified for their first final in tournament history on Saturday after knocking out two-time defending champions Italy.

Advertisement

However, they were unable to clinch the title on Sunday, losing to Czechia 0-2.

Karolina Muchova began proceedings by defeating Anhelina Kalinina 6-2, 6-3. Linda Noskova, the Wimbledon champion, clinched Czechia's 12th BJK Cup title with a 6-3, 7-6 victory over Elina Svitolina.

Svitolina has since reacted to her nation's defeat.

Elina Svitolina reacts to Ukraine's Billie Jean King Cup final defeat

"What a week!" Svitolina, the world number seven, said in an Instagram post.

"We made it all the way to the final of the Billie Jean King Cup, and I'm incredibly proud of our team and the result we achieved. Behind it are so much hard work, emotion, determination, and true team spirit.

Advertisement

"A huge thank you to every member of our team for this journey, for supporting each other, and for staying united until the very end.

"This was a special experience that I will always remember.

"And of course, thank you to everyone who supported and cheered for us along the way. We truly felt your love and energy out there.

"Always proud and honored to represent Ukraine on the biggest stages. Thank you to everyone who was part of this journey."

For Ukraine, this was their first appearance in the BJK Cup final since the event [previously known as the Federation Cup] was first established in 1963.

Advertisement

The eastern European country also defeated Belgium en route to Sunday's final.

Czechia have now won 12 titles and are the second-most successful nation in tournament history.

Only the USA, who have won 18 BJK Cup events, have been more successful.

Billie Jean King congratulates Czechia on their BJK Cup triumph

Billie Jean King is one of the most recognisable faces within the tennis community.

The American star achieved remarkable feats on the court, winning 39 Grand Slam titles across singles, doubles and mixed doubles.

Despite her on-court success, King is perhaps more well-known for her work off the court.

Advertisement

King was the driving force behind the fight for equal pay between the sexes in tennis and was the founder of the Women's Tennis Association.

The American also took part in the 'Battle of the Sexes', beating Bobby Riggs in straight sets.

King, the BJK Cup's namesake, offered a short congratulatory message to team Czechia following their triumph on Sunday afternoon.

"Congratulations to the 2026 Billie Jean King Cup Champions, Czechia!" she said.

Click here to read article