Slovakia beats Australia to reach semis of Billie Jean King Cup Finals

MALAGA, Spain (AP) — Slovakia followed up its win over the United States with a 2-0 victory over Australia to reach the semifinals of the Billie Jean King Cup finals on Sunday.

Rebecca Sramkova cruised to a 6-1, 6-2 win over Ajla Tomljanovic to clinch Slovakia the victory after Viktoria Hruncakova rallied to defeat Kimberly Birrell 7-5, 6-7 (4), 6-3 for her sixth straight BJK Cup win counting singles and doubles.

Slovakia had beaten the U.S. — the competition's most successful nation — in the first round of the finals in Malaga.

Iga Swiatek's Poland, seeking its first title, will face Italy in the semifinals.

Last year, the Italians were runner-up to defending champion Canada, which faces Great Britain in the other quarterfinal on Sunday.

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AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis