Epic Comebacks Propel Japan and Slovakia to Billie Jean King Cup Quarter-Finals

Japan and Slovakia staged dramatic comebacks to win their respective matches against Romania and the United States in the Billie Jean King Cup, advancing to the quarter-finals. Both teams overcame initial setbacks, with Slovakia securing their victory in a thrilling doubles match, while Japan rose without their top player, Naomi Osaka.

Japan and Slovakia delivered stunning performances to secure places in the quarter-finals of the Billie Jean King Cup, with each team overcoming early challenges on Thursday.

In Malaga, Slovakia's Viktoria Hruncakova and Tereza Mihalikova faced a nail-biting match against the U.S. pair Ashlyn Krueger and Taylor Townsend. With the score tied after singles, Slovakia clinched victory in a tight doubles match, triumphing 6-3, 3-6, 10-8.

Meanwhile, Japan mounted their own comeback against Romania. Despite the absence of Naomi Osaka, Ena Shibahara's singles victory and the decisive doubles win by Shuko Aoyama and Eri Hozumi lifted Japan to their first quarter-final since 2013, setting up a clash with Italy.

(With inputs from agencies.)