United States defeats Switzerland, the defending champion, in the Billie Jean King Cup

With a victory against the reigning champion Switzerland on Thursday, the United States kicked off their campaign in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals and set up a vital match against the Czech Republic for a semifinal position.

The Americans’ triumph came via singles wins by Danielle Collins and Sofia Kenin, which drew them with the Czech Republic at the top of Group A. On Friday, the US will play the Czechs.

To advance to the semifinals, only the champions of each of the four groups qualify. Switzerland was defeated by the Czech Republic on Tuesday.

With this victory, Collins won her sixth straight Billie Jean King Cup match, defeating Celine Naef 7-6 (4), 6-1.

Kenin then completed the title for the Americans with a 6-3, 6-7 (1), 7-5 victory against Viktorija Golubic.

In the Billie Jean King Cup, the United States has won all ten of its matches against Switzerland and is still undefeated against the country.

With eighteen championships, the United States is the most successful country in Billie Jean King Cup history. For the second time in three years, it is attempting to get to the semifinals.

EXTRACTS:

Celine Naef (SUI) lost against Danielle Collins (USA) 7-6 (7/4), 6-1.

USA’s Sofia Kenin defeated Switzerland’s Viktorija Golubic 6-3, 6-7 (1/7), 7-5

Jil Teichmann/Simona Waltert (SUI) defeated Sloane Stephens/Taylor Townsend (USA) 6-1, 7-6 (7/3)