Loss of world No. 1 Elena Rybakina in the BJK Cup: Spain’s chances rise in the quarterfinals

ByDavid Mitchell

Elena Rybakinanew world No. 1 and recent champion of the US Openhas caused a decline in the imminent Billie Jean King Cup Shenzhen (China, September 22-27) due to an injury to the Achilles tendon in his right leg and, therefore, the options for Spain they rise immediately in their quarterfinal match against Kazakhstanscheduled for next Wednesday.

Without Rybakina, the best tennis player of the moment, the Kazakh team drops a lot because Yulia Putintseva She is their other well-known tennis player, but further away in the ranking (78th) and, obviously, more affordable for the players captained by Carla Suarez.

Cristina Bucsa (44th), Jessica Bouzas (93rd), Kaitlin Quevedo (105th), Marina Bassols (129th) and Sara Sorribes (193rd) form the Spanish team, while the other three Kazakh tennis players are outside the world top-300, Sonja Zhiyenbayeva (382nd), Zhibek Kulambayeva (477th) and Anna Danilina (895th), although the latter does stand out in the doubles category, now No. 6 in the ranking.

Cristina Bucsa will serve as Spanish No. 1 at the BJK Cup in Shenzhen 2026Kirsty Wigglesworth/LaPresse

Rybakina had discomfort in her Achilles tendon since the Cincinnati WTA 1,000 (He retired in his quarterfinal match when losing against Iga Swiatek by 4-1) and has decided to now do the pertinent treatment to face with more guarantees the final stretch of the season that will lead to the WTA Finalswhere Elena will try to revalidate her 2025 title.

His technical team estimates that he will need at least two weeks of treatment and recovery. With his recent title in the US OpenRybakina added her third Grand Slam (Wimbledon 2022, Australian Open 2026) and it’s just missing Roland Garros to complete the collection of four ‘greats’.

The winner of the crossing Spain-Kazakhstan will be measured in the semifinals against the best of the Czech Republic-Great Britain. With Linda Noskova (6th) and Karolina Muchova (8th) on their team, the Czechs are the favorites for the title along with Ukrainewhich also has its two top-10, Elina Svitolina (7th) and Marta Kostyuk (10th).

Ukraine-Belgium and China-Italy They are the other quarterfinal ties. The Italians, with Jasmine Paolini (20th) in front, they will try to win the BJK Cup for the third year in a row after their successes in 2024 and 2025.

David Mitchell
David Mitchell

As a passionate sports journalist with over a decade of experience, I strive to uncover the heart and soul behind every game. Supported by a dedicated team of fellow enthusiasts and storytellers, I am committed to delivering insightful and engaging content that connects fans worldwide. Together, we celebrate the victories, challenges, and unifying spirit of sports through every article we craft.