Olaniyi AyoolaThe U.S. Billie Jean King Cup team will feature three rising stars—Alycia Parks, Bernarda Pera, and Hailey Baptiste—during the 2025 qualifying round in Bratislava, Slovakia, from April 11 to 13. They join doubles veterans Asia Muhammad and Desirae Krawczyk under the leadership of captain Lindsay Davenport. This lineup change follows the withdrawals of Jessica Pegula, Danielle Collins, and McCartney Kessler, who were initially slated to compete.
The U.S. team is set to compete in Group C against Denmark and host nation Slovakia at the Peugeot Arena. Each tie consists of two singles matches and one doubles match, all best-of-three sets. The group winner will advance to the Finals in Shenzhen, China, in November.
Alycia Parks, 24, currently ranked No. 54 in singles, made headlines in 2021 by tying Venus Williams’ US Open record for the fastest serve at 129 mph. She secured her first WTA singles title in 2023 and added two WTA 125-level titles in 2024.
Bernarda Pera, 30, ranked No. 76, has two WTA singles titles and reached a career-high ranking of No. 27 in 2023 after a strong performance at Roland Garros. She made her Billie Jean King Cup debut in this qualifying round, contributing to the team’s victories over Denmark and Slovakia.
Hailey Baptiste, 23, achieved her career-high singles ranking of No. 70 in May 2025. She reached the fourth round of the French Open in 2025 and has one WTA doubles title to her name.
The U.S. team aims to rebound from their 2024 first-round exit against Slovakia. With a blend of emerging talent and experienced doubles players, they seek to secure a spot in the Finals and compete for their first Billie Jean King Cup title since 2017.
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