The United States women’s tennis team is charging toward a historic 19th Billie Jean King Cup title, and while some of the nation’s biggest stars weren’t on the court this weekend, their hearts were with their teammates. Coco Gauff and Madison Keys, two of America’s most prominent players, took to social media to express their pride and excitement as Team USA secured a spot in the 2025 Billie Jean King Cup Finals with a hard-fought victory in Bratislava, Slovakia.
The qualifiers, held from April 10-13, 2025, saw an underdog American squad rise to the occasion despite the absence of household names like Gauff, Keys, Jessica Pegula, and Taylor Townsend. Instead, it was Hailey Baptiste and Bernarda Pera who stole the spotlight, delivering clutch performances that propelled the U.S. to a 2-1 triumph over Slovakia and a 3-0 sweep against Denmark. Their efforts ensured Team USA’s place in the prestigious Finals, set to unfold in Shenzhen, China, from September 16-21, 2025.
Gauff, the world No. 3 and a former US Open champion, has been a vocal supporter of her teammates despite her absence from the qualifiers. Fresh off a grueling clay-court swing preparation, she shared her enthusiasm online, celebrating the team’s grit and determination. “So proud of the squad!” Gauff posted, her words echoing the camaraderie that defines the Billie Jean King Cup, a tournament she’s described as bringing a rare “team atmosphere” to the often-solitary sport of tennis. Her connection to the event runs deep, having led the U.S. to a junior team title years ago, and her absence this time around only amplifies the depth of talent on the American roster.
Madison Keys, the 2025 Australian Open champion, was equally effusive in her praise. After a whirlwind start to the season that saw her claim her first Grand Slam title in Melbourne, Keys opted for rest following a taxing Charleston Open campaign. Yet, her support for Team USA never wavered. “What a way to get it done!” she wrote, lauding the team’s resilience. Keys, a veteran of the Billie Jean King Cup, knows the weight of representing her country, and her words carried a sense of optimism for what lies ahead in Shenzhen.
The qualifiers showcased the strength of America’s bench. On Saturday, Hailey Baptiste set the tone with a commanding 6-1, 6-4 win over Denmark’s Rebecca Munk Mortensen. Bernarda Pera followed suit, dispatching Johanne Svendsen 6-3, 6-1. The doubles duo of Desirae Krawczyk and Asia Muhammad sealed the 3-0 rout with a 6-4, 6-1 victory over Laura Brunkel and Emilie Francati. The momentum carried into Sunday’s tie against Slovakia, where Baptiste and Pera again delivered in singles, overcoming a tough challenge to secure the decisive 2-1 win.
This year’s Billie Jean King Cup Finals promise to be a spectacle, with only eight teams competing in a streamlined knockout format. The U.S. joins defending champions Italy, hosts China, Kazakhstan, Spain, Ukraine, Great Britain, and Japan in the race for the title. While the American lineup for September remains unconfirmed, the potential return of stars like Gauff, Keys, Pegula, or Emma Navarro could make Team USA a formidable force. Gauff’s blistering speed and Keys’ powerful groundstrokes would add firepower to an already versatile squad.
The Billie Jean King Cup, often dubbed the “World Cup of Tennis,” holds a special place in the sport’s history. The U.S. leads all nations with 18 titles, a legacy that players like Gauff and Keys are eager to build upon. For Gauff, the event evokes memories of her basketball days, where team spirit fueled her drive. “It’s very rare tennis experiences a team atmosphere,” she once said, reflecting on the unique energy of the competition. Keys, meanwhile, brings a seasoned perspective, her recent Grand Slam success a reminder of the heights American players can reach.
As the tennis world turns its eyes to Shenzhen, the American team’s journey is a testament to depth and determination. Baptiste and Pera’s heroics in the qualifiers have set the stage for a thrilling Finals, and with Gauff and Keys cheering from afar, Team USA’s dream of a 19th title feels tantalizingly close. Whether the stars join the lineup or the underdogs continue to shine, one thing is clear: the red, white, and blue are ready to make waves on the global stage.