The Estadio Ciudad de Malaga stood empty as the first round tie between Spain and Poland was postponed due to a severe weather alert. — Reuters
The Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Malaga, set to commence on Wednesday, were delayed after Spanish authorities issued a red weather alert for extreme rain and flooding in several regions, according to the International Tennis Federation. Just two weeks after the worst floods in Spain's modern history claimed over 200 lives, thousands were evacuated in the Costa del Sol region of southern Spain as the new weather front threatened torrential rain and low temperatures.
The ITF announced on Wednesday, "Due to a severe weather alert issued by local and regional authorities, the 2024 BJK Cup Finals first round tie between Spain and Poland, originally scheduled for today, November 13 at 5 PM, has been postponed. The tie will now take place on Friday, November 15, starting at 10 AM." The statement continued, "This decision has been made based on guidance from the relevant authorities to ensure the health and safety of all participants and attendees. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and cooperation."
Spain was set to kick off the tournament against Poland, led by Iga Swiatek, as twelve teams gathered in Andalusia to vie for the title, which Canada won for the first time last year. The final days of the BJK Cup will coincide with the men's Davis Cup Finals at the same venue next week, where Spanish legend Rafael Nadal is expected to play his last tournament before retiring.
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