Billie Jean King Cup reschedules Spain vs. Poland tie after red weather warning in Malaga

The first round of the Billie Jean King Cup tennis finals in Malaga, Spain has been postponed after local and regional authorities issued a severe weather warning for Malaga province.

Spain’s Civil Protection Agency (CPA) sent a mass alert to residents after 10 p.m. local time on Tuesday evening warning of an “extreme risk of rainfall,” with a red weather warning being issued. The red warning accounts for extreme weather phenomena, with “very high risk to the population,” according to Spain’s weather agency.

The Billie Jean King Cup then announced on Wednesday morning that the first-round tie between Spain and Poland, originally scheduled for today, November 13 at 5 p.m. local time, would be postponed until 10 a.m. local time on Friday.

“This decision has been made based on guidance from the relevant authorities to ensure the health and safety of all participants and attendees,” a statement read.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and cooperation.” Those with tickets for the tie will be able to use them on Friday.

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) confirmed Wednesday evening that Japan’s tie against Romania, scheduled for the morning session on Thursday November 14 will go ahead as planned but with a delay of two hours, starting at 12 p.m local time. Team USA’s tie with Slovakia remains scheduled for 5 p.m. local time.

“Please be aware that local authorities have advised the red alert will be lifted at 8 a.m. CET on Thursday. We continue to closely monitor the weather conditions and will provide updates, as necessary,” the ITF said in a statement on X.

The weather system in Malaga is the “dana” type which recently caused severe flooding, damage, and loss of life in Valencia, around 600km north of Malaga. Some areas experienced a year’s worth of rain in 24 hours across October 29 and 30, with over 200 people killed in floods that the prime minister of Spain, Pedro Sanchez, has described as the worst in recent memory.

Malaga was less affected by that weather system, but flooding in the province caused a train derailment and at least one death was reported. In the wake of the most recent red warning, some hotels are chose to keep guests inside as the rain worsened and streets in the area began to flood, with water bucketing off the athletics stadium opposite the Palacio de Deportes José María Martín Carpena where the tennis will take place. Taylor Townsend, who is part of Team USA, posted a video of water coming up to and through her accommodation’s door.

Taylor Townsend showing water coming into her room in Malaga. 😱 pic.twitter.com/ComfUa0Hj8

— LaWanda (@lawanda50) November 13, 2024

Thursday’s forecast is less severe, with an orange warning for rain and a yellow one for storms. 

The winner of the rescheduled tie between Spain and Poland will now have to play on consecutive days, with the winner in quarterfinal action against the Czech Republic at 5 p.m. local time on Saturday. The Spain team is spearheaded by the former world No. 2 Paula Badosa, while the current world No. 2 Iga Swiatek is the star turn for Poland.

(Angel Martinez / Getty Images for ITF)