BJK Cup tie called off after severe weather alert
A severe weather alert in southern Spain has led to the opening tie of the Billie Jean King Cup between Spain and Poland being postponed.
The two nations were set to play in Malaga at 17:00 local time (16:00 GMT) on Wednesday.
Two weeks after flash floods caused devastation in eastern Spain, several areas of the nation are on alert again.
A new weather front brought heavy rain in Malaga on Wednesday.
“This decision has been made based on guidance from the relevant authorities to ensure the health and safety of all participants and attendees,” said the International Tennis Federation, which organises the event.
“We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and cooperation.”
The first-round tie between Spain and Poland – who are led by five-time major champion Iga Swiatek – has been moved to Friday, with play starting at 09:00 GMT.
Great Britain’s first-round tie against Germany is due to take place on the same day from 16:00 GMT and will be shown live on the BBC.
The Billie Jean King Cup is a 12-nation women’s team event where the winners will be crowned world champions.
It is taking place indoors at the Palacios de Deportes Jose Maria Martin Carpena, with the final being contested on 20 November.
‘Malaga is very quiet – there is significant flooding’
Russell Fuller, BBC tennis correspondent
A visit to the perimeter of the site earlier today made it quite obvious there was no prospect of spectators being able to access the venue safely.
The purpose built stadium has been erected in a shallow bowl and there was significant flooding around the entrance to the arena.
It was ankle deep in places when I visited at lunchtime and heavy rain continued for most of the afternoon.
We were not allowed inside the venue so it is not possible to say whether the interior or the court has been flooded.
No decisions have yet been taken about Thursday’s play, but it will take an enormous effort to have the venue in working order for the tie between Japan and Romania, which is scheduled for 10am local time (09:00 GMT).
Malaga is very quiet. The metro is suspended, some businesses have closed and it took us two hours to secure a taxi back into the city centre.
But after the terrible recent loss of life in eastern Spain, it is understandable everyone should be acting with the utmost caution.
