Swiatek leads Poland to historic win over Czech Republic and into BJK Cup semis against Italy

MALAGA, Spain, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Poland will face Italy in their first ever Billie Jean King Cup semi-finals after beating the Czech Republic 2-1 in a hard-fought tie that ended in the early hours of Sunday.

Czech Marie Bouzkova won the opener against Magdalena Frech 6-1 4-6 6-4, and it was up to Swiatek to keep Poland's chances alive to reach the tournament's semi-finals for the first time.

The world number two, undefeated in Billie Jean King Cup in the last five years, did just that but was well tested by teenager Linda Noskova, whom she beat 7-6(4) 4-6 7-5 in a tight encounter that lasted two hours and 39 minutes.

Swiatek broke to take a 3-1 lead in the final set before Noskova, who knocked her out of the Australian Open in January, broke back and pulled level at 4-4.

The Pole took the match to even the tie 1-1 before returning on court with Katarzyna Kawa for the decider against doubles world number one Katerina Siniakova and Bouzkova.

Swiatek and Kawa then sealed a stunning 6-1 6-4 victory over the Czechs in one hour and 11 minutes.

"I'm so happy to play with Iga and that we made it. I mean, it's really great day, the start of the great day," Kawa said as...
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