Italy Crowned Billie Jean King Cup Champion Against the United States
In a remarkable performance, Italy, led by Jasmine Paolini, clinched the Billie Jean King Cup title, defeating the United States in a decisive final this Sunday.
The Italian victory was achieved thanks to the wins in singles, securing the championship without needing to resort to the doubles match.
Jasmine Paolini, world number 8, defeated Jessica Pegula, number 7, with a score of 6-4, 6-2. Previously, Elisabetta Cocciaretto, ranked 91st, overcame Emma Navarro with a result of 6-4, 6-4. Cocciaretto managed to break her opponent’s serve on three occasions during the match.
Paolini secured the first set with a powerful two-handed backhand. Although she faced a moment of tension when serving for the match with a score of 5-1, where Pegula saved three match points and managed to break Paolini’s serve, the Italian remained calm.
A powerful forehand gave Paolini, runner-up at the French Open and Wimbledon last year, her fourth match point, sealing the victory when Pegula’s two-handed backhand hit the net and fell out.
After securing the victory, Paolini celebrated with her teammates and staff, joining the Italian fans to celebrate the win.
The American team, which had defeated Great Britain in the final, could not replicate its performance on this occasion.
Italy, which had the Olympic doubles pair of Paolini and Sara Errani, who also won the French Open doubles this year, would have faced Pegula and Taylor Townsend in an exciting doubles match if necessary.
This is the sixth title for Italy, reaching their third consecutive final. The United States, the most decorated team in the history of the competition with 18 titles, hadn’t won since 2017.
