Trending
Jasmine Paolini produced a decisive double as defending champions Italy overcame China 2-1 in the Billie Jean King Cup quarter-finals on Thursday.
Italy recovered from an early setback to reach the last four for a fourth consecutive year. The holders will face Ukraine in the semi-finals on Saturday.
China took the lead when former world No. 22 Zhang Shuai defeated Elisabetta Cocciaretto 6-0, 6-2 in 62 minutes.
Paolini then levelled the tie with a 6-3, 7-6(7-4) victory over Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen.
The Italian later returned to the court alongside Sara Errani for the deciding doubles match.
The pair defeated Guo Hanyu and Jiang Xinyu 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 in a contest that finished shortly before 1am.
Paolini entered her singles match seeking her first win against Zheng in four meetings.
The Italian took control early and won the opening set 6-3.
Zheng responded strongly in the second set and broke Paolini when the Italian served for the match.
The Olympic champion also made the better start in the deciding tiebreak.
However, Paolini recovered and closed out the match 7-4 in the tiebreak.
The victory extended her unbeaten run at the Billie Jean King Cup to nine singles wins.
She then added another victory several hours later in the deciding doubles.
Pakistan Face Early Setbacks at Asian Games Badminton, Fencing and Swimming
“It’s always tough and this year, maybe it was even tougher,” Paolini said after the tie.
She also praised Italy’s performance against the hosts.
Paolini and Errani faced a demanding final match against China.
The Italian pair took the opening set 6-3, but Guo and Jiang responded by winning the second 7-5.
Both teams struggled to maintain consistent service games during the decider.
However, Paolini and Errani relied on their established partnership to regain control.
They eventually won the third set 6-3 and secured Italy’s place in the semi-finals.
The victory continued a successful partnership between Paolini and Errani.
The pair have previously won Olympic gold and a Roland Garros title together.
China made the perfect start through Zhang Shuai.
Playing in her first Billie Jean King Cup appearance for China since 2021, Zhang dominated Cocciaretto from the opening game.
She dropped just two games during the 62-minute match.
The victory gave the hosts an early 1-0 advantage and increased pressure on Italy.
Zhang, 37, said her experience helped her manage the occasion.
“I think I can handle this moment,” she said after the match.
Italy then needed two consecutive victories to remain in contention for the title.
Paolini delivered the first before joining Errani for the decisive doubles.
Ukraine also secured a place in the last four after beating Belgium 2-1.
Anhelina Kalinina played a key role by winning both her singles and doubles matches.
She opened the tie with a 6-7(6-8), 6-1, 6-1 victory over Belgium debutant Jana Otzipka.
The 21-year-old Belgian took a tight opening set but Kalinina recovered strongly in the next two.
Belgium then levelled the tie through Greet Minnen, who defeated world No. 7 Elina Svitolina 6-7(5-7), 6-4, 6-4.
Minnen needed two hours and 47 minutes to complete the upset.
Kalinina returned to the court for the deciding doubles match.
She teamed up with Lyudmyla Kichenok to beat Magali Kempen and Lara Salden 6-3, 6-3.
The victory sent Ukraine into the semi-finals for the second consecutive year.
Italy will now meet Ukraine in the second semi-final at the Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre.
The match is scheduled for Saturday, September 26.
Italy are chasing a third consecutive Billie Jean King Cup title after winning the competition in 2024 and 2025.
Ukraine, meanwhile, have reached the semi-finals for a second straight year.
The remaining semi-final will feature the winners of the Czechia-Great Britain and Spain-Kazakhstan quarter-finals.
[…] Paolini Leads Italy Into Billie Jean King Cup Semi-Finals […]