The International Tennis Federation said Thursday that the finals of the Billie Jean King Cup will be held in Shenzhen, China, from 2025 to 2027.
This is the first time that China has hosted a women’s team event. In Asia, it was last held in Tokyo in 1989, and at that time, 16 countries participated and it was called the Fed Cup. A record 146 countries will compete in 2025.
The ITF said the move supports the tournament’s goals of promoting cultural exchange, celebrating diversity and strengthening connections between players and fans around the world.
“Playing the Billie Jean King Cup final in Shenzhen is a dream come true for me and other Chinese tennis players,” Paris Games gold medalist and world No. 5 Zheng Qinwen said in a statement. “This event reflects the incredible progress of tennis in China and highlights how women’s sport continues to thrive here. I can’t wait to see more young girls pick up a tennis racket and inspire them to dream big.”
The top women’s international team event took place last year in Malaga, Spain, with world number four Jasmine Paolini leading Italy to their fifth title. Hosts China and reigning champions Italy will automatically qualify for the finals.
“Shenzhen embodies the spirit of growth and innovation that is at the heart of the Billie Jean King Cup, expanding the boundaries of tennis and empowering women’s sport,” said 12-time Grand Slam champion Billie Jean King. “It’s a place of advocacy,” he said.
Qualifying ties will take place over six group events starting April 7, with three teams per group. Each three-day event will be held in one location and in a round-robin format.
Slovakia, last year’s finalist, will face the United States and Denmark in Group C, while Canada, the top qualifier, is in Group A along with Romania and will host Japan. The Czech Republic, the second seed, will face Spain and Brazil in Group B.
Kazakhstan and Colombia will travel to Australia for Group D matches, while Poland will face Switzerland and Ukraine in Group E. Group F is hosted by England and includes Germany and the Netherlands.
The top team from each group will advance to the finals, and the second and third place teams will advance to the playoffs in November.
A date for the 2025 finals has not been announced.
