Billie Jean King Cup Finals 2022 Betting Preview
The Billie Jean King Cup is an international tennis tournament with some of the best women’s players on earth. The Finals of the competition feature 12 nations that will battle for the title between November 8-13 in Glasgow, the United Kingdom.
The players’ motivation will be high because this is the largest women’s team competition in tennis. Six of the previous eleven cups ended up in the Czech Republic, so this is the team to beat.
I go through all favorites in My Billie Jean King Cup Finals 2022 betting preview. The post also includes my analysis of the top contenders and my 2022 Billie Jean King Cup Finals prediction. This year’s competition should be fun to watch from a betting perspective.
2022 Billie Jean Cup Finals Format
The 12 nations competing in the tournament are divided into four groups of three. They’ll compete in a round-robin format in which every team plays against each other in their respective groups.
Here’s what the groups look like.
Group A
- Switzerland
- Canada
- Italy
Group B
- Australia
- Slovakia
- Belgium
Group C
- Spain
- Kazakhstan
- Great Britain
Group D
- Czech Republic
- United States
- Poland
During the Finals, all ties are contested in a best-of-three rubbers format (two singles followed by doubles) played in one day. The only country to qualify with a walkover was Belgium. Slovakia received a bye in the qualifying round.
Main Favorites for the 2022 Billie Jean King Cup Finals
If you intend to bet on the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in 2022, you should learn more about the strongest teams in the competition.
Here’s what the top countries can bring to the table.
Czech Republic
- Ranking: 4th
- Lineup: Barbora Krejcikova, Karolina Pliskova, Katerina Siniakova, Marketa Vondrousova
The Czech Republic is seriously good, and the country is once again among the Billie Jean King Cup Finals betting favorites. They now have a formidable trio in Barbora Krejcikova, Karolina Pliskova, and Katerina Siniakova.
Marketa Vondrousova is perhaps the unsung hero of this group. She was responsible for winning all three points she contested during the 2022 Qualifiers in Prague. She’s known for having an incredible drop shot, and her return game is well above average.
The Czech Republic has historically dominated this tournament too. With 11 championships, they only trail the United States (18) for the most all-time. Fending off the Americans will also be a priority in this year’s Billie Jean King Cup competition.
United States
- Nations Ranking: 7th
- Lineup: Jessica Pegula, Coco Gauff, Madison Keys, Danielle Collins, Taylor Townsend
Everyone remembers the incredible match between the US and Ukraine at the 2022 Qualifier in Asheville. Jessica Pegula and Alison Riske put the US within reach of winning by scoring the first two points. Ukraine would fight back, but then the US won the doubles match in two sets.
As I mentioned, the US has won the most titles of any country in the Billie Jean King Cup. The country’s most recent championship was in 2017 – now five years ago. That was when the US ended a title drought that lasted 17 years.
Everyone already knows about the best player for the US – Coco Gauff. The young American prodigy is always incredible whenever she’s on the court. Keep in mind that Gauff made her WTA Tour debut when she was only 15 years old.
Another player representing the US (and whom everyone should be watching) is Madison Keys. Her tall frame and sheer power make her such a dangerous player. She’s known for hitting strong forehand groundstrokes.
This group has plenty of talent and will go a long way in the 2022 Billie Jean King Cup Finals.
Belgium
- Nations Ranking: 14th
- Lineup: Elise Mertens, Alison Van Uytvanck, Maryna Zanevska, Ysaline Bonaventure, Kirsten Flipkens
Belgium captured a Billie Jean King Cup title once, which was back in 2001. They also finished runner-up in 2006, one of the years that Italy won. Belgium’s best player is Elise Mertens, a former world No. 1 in women’s doubles and a solid singles competitor.
Mertens is an incredible baseline player known for her aggressive shot-making capabilities. Her groundstrokes produce minimal top spin, which allows her shots to penetrate the backcourt. She’s also great at redirecting shots with her backhand.
The problem with Belgium’s roster is that the other players are not on the same level. The team is solid and will be a problem for anyone, but winning might be a step too far based on the talent level.
Canada
- Nations Ranking: 6th
- Lineup: Leylah Fernandez, Bianca Andreescu, Rebecca Marino, Carol Zhao, Gabriela Dabrowski
The Canadian women’s team often flies under the radar, and this year’s tournament is no different. Defeating Latvia 4-0 at the Vancouver Qualifier tells you how good this team can be. The Canadians, however, are still seeking their first Billie Jean King Cup title.
Canada’s not-so-secret weapon is Bianca Andreescu, a former world No. 4 ranking in women’s singles. She’s powerful and aggressive and has one of the best shot selections in women’s tennis. She also often incorporates well-disguised drop shots to try and keep her opponents honest.
The other Canadian who could surprise a lot of people is Kirsten Flipkens. She’s described as an “all-court player” whose signature shot is a backhand slice. She’s also found success in doubles, winning six titles during her career.
The Canadian team is balanced well, even if the individual talent is not on the same level as the USA and the Czech Republic.
2022 Billie Jean King Cup Finals Prediction
My 2022 Billie Jean King Cup Finals prediction is that the US team will recapture its old glory. The combination of Gauff, Pegula, Collins, and Keys is scary good. These are four players who’re in the top 15 of the WTA rankings for women’s singles.
What I also like about the Americans is that they’re unrelenting and fun to watch. They possess all the physical tools and traits to win this tournament. Furthermore, the Americans should be eager to redeem themselves after nearly losing to Ukraine in the qualifier.
I can’t really bet on that because the 2022 Billie Jean King Cup Finals betting odds have yet to be released. I’m sure the top tennis betting sites will cover every match from the tournament, though, so keep an eye on them.