NEW DELHI: Reigning champion Italy will play a home tie against Japan in the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers in April as it begins its quest for a hat-trick of titles in the team competition. Fourteen nations will contest the qualifiers with seven going on to join host China in the Finals in September 2026. Last year’s runners-up, the United States, travel to Belgium, while 11-time champion Czech Republic is up against 2022 champion Switzerland. In the other ties, Britain face Australia, Kazakhstan host Canada, Spain take on Slovenia and Poland face Ukraine. Agencies
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