Slovakia shock US to reach BJK Cup Finals last eight

Tereza Mihalikova and Viktoria Hruncakova sealed the comeback victory for Slovakia

Slovakia reached the last eight of the Billie Jean King Cup Finals with a 2-1 comeback victory over 18-time champions the United States.

Taylor Townsend put the US ahead with a 7-5 6-4 victory over 17-year-old Renata Jamrichova in the first singles match.

But Slovakia's Rebecca Sramkova, ranked 43rd, caused an upset when she beat world number 11 Danielle Collins 6-2 7-5 to level the tie and force a doubles decider.

Tereza Mihalikova and Viktoria Hruncakova joined forces to defeat Townsend and Ashlyn Krueger 6-3 3-6 10-8 to set up a quarter-final encounter with Australia, who received a bye in the first round.

Earlier, Japan were the first team to claim a first-round win as they fought back to beat Romania 2-1 and seal their place in the last eight, where they will face 2023 runners-up Italy.

The tournament's opening tie between Spain and Poland was postponed on Wednesday because of a severe weather alert.

It has been moved to Friday, with play starting at 09:00 GMT before Great Britain face Germany from 16:00.