Noskova, Rybakina and Zheng nominated to play in Billie Jean King Cup finals

FE Team | Published: July 31, 2026 23:05:47

Linda Noskova of Czech Republic poses with the winner's trophy of this year's Wimbledon Tennis women's singles tournament, during a news conference in Prague. — AP file photo

LONDON, July 31, (AP): Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova, Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina and Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen highlight the lineup of players nominated Friday to compete in the Billie Jean King Cup finals.
Jasmine Paolini and doubles partner Sara Errani are back to lead two-time defending champion Italy in the competition, which features eight teams and will be held Sept. 22-27 in Shenzhen, China.
Noskova will be joined by Karolina Muchova, the woman she beat in the Wimbledon final, plus top-ranked doubles player Katerina Siniakova, on a strong Czech Republic team.
Rybakina leads Kazakhstan and Zheng, who won gold at the 2024 Paris Games, leads host China.
Marta Kostyuk and Elina Svitolina lead Ukraine. Matchups feature two singles matches and a deciding doubles if necessary.
Nations can make up to four changes to their squads until the day before the finals.
TEAM NOMINATIONS:
Belgium: Hanne Vandewinkel, Jeline Vandromme, Greet Minnen, Magali Kempen; Wim Fissette (captain).
China: Zhang Shuai, Wang Xiyu, Zheng Qinwen, Guo Hanyu, Jiang Xinyu; Zheng Jie (captain).
Czech Republic: Karolina Muchova, Linda Noskova, Marie Bouzkova, Katerina Siniakova; Barbora Strycova (captain).
Britain: Katie Boulter, Harriet Dart, Mika Stojsavljevic, Jodie Burrage; Anne Keothavong (captain).