Italy Crowned Billie Jean King Cup Champions
In a resounding display of tennis, Italy, led by Jasmine Paolini, won the Billie Jean King Cup title, defeating the United States in the final held on Sunday.
The Italian team, defending the title, secured the victory by winning both singles matches in straight sets, thus avoiding the need for a decisive doubles match.
Jasmine Paolini, currently ranked number 8, defeated Jessica Pegula (7) with a score of 6-4, 6-2. Previously, Elisabetta Cocciaretto (91) had achieved a victory with a score of 6-4, 6-4 over Emma Navarro.
Paolini managed to break Pegula’s serve with a powerful two-handed backhand, securing the first set. Although Paolini had a small stumble when serving for the match with a score of 5-1, Pegula managed to save three match points and, thanks to unforced errors from Paolini, reduced the difference to 5-2.
Paolini, runner-up at the French Open and Wimbledon last year, was given her fourth match point by a strong forehand, which she converted when Pegula’s two-handed backhand hit the net and fell out.
Paolini celebrated by raising her arms and embracing her teammates. All the staff joined the celebration on the court, dancing in a circle before celebrating with the Italian fans, who were waving flags and wearing blue shirts.
The Italian team had an Olympic champion doubles pair: Paolini and Sara Errani, who also won the French Open doubles this year.
The Billie Jean King Cup, formerly known as the Fed Cup, is a tournament in which the United States, with 18 titles, is the most successful team, but has not won the title since 2017.
Italy, in its third consecutive final, secured its sixth title. The last final for the Americans was in 2018.
