Noskova and Muchova fire Czech Republic into Billie Jean King Cup final

Wimbledon champion Noskova beat Cristina Bucsa 7-6 (7/5), 6-2 to complete the semifinal victory, after Muchova, this year's Wimbledon runner-up, put the Czechs in front with a 7-5, 6-4 success against Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.

The Czech Republic will be seeking a 12th Billie Jean King Cup title, and a first in eight years, when they face Ukraine or defending champions Italy in Sunday's final.

"It's a final, we have to enjoy it," said Noskova.

"It's a privilege to be here and fight for the title, but it's all about playing our tennis and being focused."

Muchova had to work hard for her opening victory, with Bouzas Maneiro pushing the Wimbledon runner-up throughout a closely contested first set. The Czech recovered from a 2-4 deficit and then struck at a crucial moment, breaking serve in the 11th game before closing out the set after 58 gruelling minutes.

Muchova then secured another hard-fought set to complete the win, with the world No 93 later praising her opponent's quality and style of play.

"She's honestly one of my favourite players on tour," said Bouzas Maneiro of 30-year-old Muchova.

"Me and my coach, we're always talking about how talented she is, how she plays. It's really beautiful to watch her playing tennis. When I knew that I was playing against her, I was happy for that because I wanted to play against such a player."

Noskova, ranked sixth in the world, continued her breakthrough season by overcoming a late challenge from Bucsa in the opening set. The Wimbledon champion raced into a 5-2 advantage but was pegged back before holding her nerve in the tiebreak to move within a set of victory.

The Czech then took control in the second, breaking twice to wrap up a straight-sets win and book her country's place in the final.

Italy will face Ukraine in Saturday's second semifinal at the Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre, with the defending champions aiming to reach a fourth consecutive final and claim a third straight Billie Jean King Cup title.

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