WORLD number two Iga Swiatek is still working back to her best form but the Polish star did what she needed to do against the Czech Republic in order for her nation to reach the semi-finals of the Billie Jean King (BJK) Cup. Poland got past danger side Czech Republic with Swiatek coming in with her side 0-1 down and winning both her singles and doubles ties.

Swiatek fought through another tough singles match after a dour affair the day before, needing two hours and 39 minutes to overcome Linda Noskova, a young Czech who beat the world number two earlier this year. By the end of the match, Swiatek needed to pull out all the stops against the young gun who served for the match, before winning 7-6 4-6 7-5.

Swiatek had to match Noskova’s power, having five less aces (5-10) and seven less winners (22-29), but also had five less unforced errors (30-35) and won a superior first serve percentage (78 to 69 per cent). That enabled her to stay in the match, and even when Noskova broke to go 5-4 up in the deciding set and serve for the match, Swiatek held her nerve, broke back and won the last three games of the match to force a deciding tie.

The Polish star was thrown into the doubles tie to try and get Poland over the line, teaming up with Katarzyna Kawa up against Marie Bouzkova and former doubles number one Katerina Siniakova. In a rather surprisingly easy win, the Polish pair secured the victory 6-2 6-4 and stormed into the semi-finals of the BJK Cup.

In a wholesome tidbit, Kawa also turned 32 while on the doubles court as the last match ticked past midnight into November 17 in Malaga. Though it came as a surprise to the Pole.

“I didn’t know it was my birthday at the time,” Kawa said. “I didn’t know what time it was but, for sure, it’s a very special birthday for me.

“We played against very tough opponents. I know how good Iga is and I know her strengths. I just tried to do my best and play at the highest level possible, so we had a chance.

“As Iga said, we weren’t the favourites. I have played against Katerina a couple of times and she has beaten me – and I wasn’t going to lose again. I’m happy we made it.”

Earlier in the day, Bouzkova had caused an upset against Magdalena Frech, winning the first four games of the match and blitzing the Pole 6-1 in the first set. Frech hit back to take the second, before Bouzkova steadied and closed out the match 6-1 4-6 6-4 in two hours and 21 minutes.

Bouzkova won a steady 77 per cent of her first serve points compared to Frech’s 58 per cent, while breaking five times to two. She also hit four more winners (26-22) and 13 less unforced errors (27-40) to get her nation off to the perfect start.

But unfortunately for Bouzkova, it would not be enough, with the power and grace of Swiatek dragging Poland over the line and setting up a huge semi-finals clash with Italy and Jasmine Paolini who won her singles and doubles also facing being a match down in the Italians’ clash with Japan.

The victory marked the first time Poland had reached the final four of the BJK Cup, an achievement that was not lost on Swiatek.

“It’s amazing that we have made history for Poland – a dream come true,” Swiatek said. “I missed playing this event a couple of times, but now I have the chance to play I want to make an impact and do something well.

“I am so happy that I finally got the opportunity and this tournament is amazing. “The atmosphere is great and the whole experience is wonderful. “I’m so happy also that we have such amazing players in the team.

“I am super proud of Katarzyna, myself and the whole team for fighting today because in doubles we weren’t the favourites. “I’m super happy that Katarzyna was leading the doubles, picking the right tactics and telling me what to do as I haven’t played doubles in a while. “I think we made a really good team.”