Iga Swiatek and Poland make history at Billie Jean King Cup

Following their 2-0 victory over hosts Spain on Friday, Poland came from behind to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1 in the quarter-final with Swiatek on double duty.

After Marie Bouzkova beat Magdalena Frech, Swiatek got her team back on level terms with a three-set win over youngster Linda Noskova in two hours and 39 minutes.

The tie was decided in the doubles as the world No 2 returned to the court 30 minutes after her singles encounter to team up with Katarzyna Kawa.

And they had to dig deep as they came out on top against doubles world No. 1 Katerina Siniakova and Bouzkova, winning 6-1, 6-4 to send the team into the last four of the Billie Jean King Cup.

By the time the chair umpire called "game, set, match Poland", it was already 1am in Malaga, Spain.

"In 20 minutes I'll be dead, but now, let's enjoy this," Swiatek said. "It was an exhausting day, really tough matches. But I'm really happy that we won the last one, that's the most important thing."

Having missed several of Poland's Billie Jean King Cup matches in recent years, the five-time Grand Slam winner returned to the fold this year and has now realised a "dream".

"It's amazing that we have made history for Poland - a dream come true," she 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."

Poland will face Italy in the semi-final on Monday while the winner will take on one of Canada/Great Britain/Australia/Slovakia in the final.

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