Italy to face Japan in revamped Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers

Reigning champions Italy will face a home tie against Japan in the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers in April as they begin their quest for a hat-trick of titles in the team competition.

14 nations will contest the qualifiers with seven going on to join hosts China in the Finals in September.

Last year's runners-up, the United States, travel to Belgium while 11-time champions Czech Republic are up against 2022 champions Switzerland.

In the other ties, Britain face Australia, Kazakhstan host Canada, Spain take on Slovenia and Poland face Ukraine.

The qualifiers, on April 10-11, have a knockout format with home and away ties replacing the single-location group stages used last year. It will also mean that there will be guaranteed "live" doubles rubbers.

Each of the ties will consist of two singles on day one, followed by a doubles rubber on day two and then two reverse singles.

While the seven winning nations will move to the Finals, the losers will compete in the playoffs in November.