Czechs catch semis bus
‘It’s tough to be unbeatable because it’s impossible, but I’m proud of how we play and how long we are playing, because it’s not easy.’

BARBORA Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova of Czech Republic celebrate after beating Danielle Collins and Taylor Townsend of the United States, 6-3, 7-5, in the women’s doubles event of the Billie Jean King Cup. | CRISTINA QUICLER/agence france-presse
SEVILLE, Spain (AFP) — Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova won the decisive doubles rubber against the United States to seal Friday's tie and claim the last place in the Billie Jean King Cup semifinals.
Krejcikova and Siniakova beat Danielle Collins and Taylor Townsend 6-3, 7-5 to secure top spot in Group A and set up a showdown with Canada in Seville on Saturday for a spot in the final.
"I was very happy when we sealed the winning point today. It was a really good match and I was really excited and happy that we finished it and with the way we played," Siniakova said.
"It's tough to be unbeatable because it's impossible, but I'm proud of how we play and how long we are playing, because it's not easy," Siniakova said of her partnership with Krejcikova.
The pair have combined to win seven Grand Slam doubles titles and Olympic gold in Tokyo.
"Everyone wants to beat us, and they are coming and trying to find things," Siniakova added.
Collins gave the United States — the record 18-time winner — the ideal start with a 6-3 6-3 victory over Siniakova, but Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova thrashed Sofia Kenin 6-1, 6-1 in the second singles.
"The US was there, just waiting for the winning moment. It got to the wire and it could have gone either way, but we have a world-class doubles team," Czech captain Petr Pala said.
The Czechs are bidding for a 12th title and first since 2018, the last in a run of six in eight years.
Their rival Canada is appearing in the semi-finals for the first time since 1988.
Earlier on Friday, Kaja Juvan helped Slovenia seal their berth in the Last Four with a straight-sets demolition of Kazakhstan's Anna Danilina.
Juvan, ranked 104 in the world, crushed 814th-ranked Danilina 6-1, 6-0 in 53 minutes.
Teammate Tamara Zidansek won the first set of the second rubber against Yulia Putintseva to ensure Slovenia finished top of Group B and join Italy and Canada in the semi-finals of the women's team event.
