Key Points:

• Shenzhen will host the Billie Jean King Cup Finals from 2025 to 2027.
• This marks the first time the event will be held in China.
• Chinese tennis star Zheng Qinwen lauded the move as a "dream come true".
• The event aims to foster cultural exchange and elevate women's sports globally.
• China offers state-of-the-art facilities and a growing demand for women's sports.

In a significant development for women's sports, the Billie Jean King Cup Finals will take place in Shenzhen, China, for three consecutive years from 2025 to 2027, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) announced. This will be the first occasion the prestigious tournament has been held in China and the event's return to Asia since Tokyo in 1989.

With a record 146 nations set to compete, this move represents more than just a change of venue. The ITF noted that hosting the Cup in Shenzhen aligns with their goal to promote cultural exchange and highlight the growing interest in women’s sports around the world. "Having the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Shenzhen is a dream come true for myself and other Chinese tennis players," commented Zheng Qinwen, the world number five and Olympic gold medalist, emphasizing the event's potential to inspire young female athletes.

Retired tennis legend Billie Jean King added, "Shenzhen embodies the spirit of growth and innovation that is at the core of the Billie Jean King Cup," resonating with the tournament's commitment to enhancing the visibility of women’s sports.

The last two editions of the Billie Jean King Cup were held in Spain, where Canada and Italy claimed victories in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Organizers expressed confidence that the upcoming event in Shenzhen will benefit from China’s "state-of-the-art facilities" and its flourishing tennis culture. The qualifiers will be organized into six groups, commencing April 7, with the final champions joining China and Italy at the main event in 2025.

This transition of the Billie Jean King Cup Finals marks a new chapter in its history, aiming to create a more inclusive platform for women's tennis on a global scale. For further details, visit AP News and South China Morning Post.