US to host Hungary in Billie Jean King Cup playoffs and France draws Australia

Switzerland Czech Republic Billie Jean King Cup Tennis

Switzerland's Belinda Bencic reacts during the tennis Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers round between Switzerland and Czech Republic in Biel, Switzerland, Friday, April 10, 2026. (Peter Schneider/Keystone via AP) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Italy Japan Billie Jean King Cup Tennis

Japan's Himeno Sakatsume serves to Italy's Jasmine Paolini during the Billy Jean King Cup match between Italy and Japan in Velletri, Italy, Friday April 10, 2026. (Alfredo Falcone/LaPresse via AP) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) LONDON (AP) — The United States will host Hungary in the Billie Jean King Cup playoffs in November when the record 18-time champion looks to get back on track in women’s team tennis. The U.S. reached the final last year for the first time since 2018 but lost to Belgium 3-1 this month in qualifying for this year's finals. Hungary should include Anna Bondár, a BJK Cup regular who on Thursday at the Madrid Open beat No. 7-ranked Elina Svitolina and became the first Hungarian woman to beat a top-10 player since Timea Babos beat Coco Vandeweghe in 2018. Also in Thursday’s draw for the Cup playoffs, France will host Australia in a first meeting since the 2019 final won by France in Perth; and Brazil will host 2023 champion Canada. Also, it’s: Poland vs. Sweden; Japan vs. Argentina; Thailand vs. Switzerland; and Slovenia vs. Indonesia. Playoff winners advance to the 2027 qualifiers while the losing teams will drop to regional events next year. The other qualifiers for the finals beside Belgium are defending champion Italy, Britain, Kazakhstan, Spain, Czech Republic, and Ukraine. Host nation China qualified automatically. \\\_ AP tennis: