Italy land back-to-back BJK Cup glory

Italy captain Tathiana Garbin’s all-smiling squad were into a third consecutive final of the national competition, whilst the most decorated side ever, Team USA, were chasing a record-extending 19th title and first silverware success since 2017.

World No.91 Elisabetta Cocciaretto provided the platform for glory by outmanoeuvring world No.17 Emma Navarro 6-4, 6-4. Up stepped the formidable force of Jasmine Paolini, who dispatched world No.7 Jessica Pegula with consummate ease 6-4, 6-2 to spark jubilant celebrations.

World No.8 Paolini was once again the hero for the defending champions, finishing her week in China with a perfect record of four victories.

In the quarter-finals, the Roland-Garros 2024 singles runner-up produced a 4-6, 7-6(4), 6-4 comeback over China’s Wang Xinyu during a 2-0 victory against the hosts.

Into the semi-finals and Paolini was instrumental again. Another comeback, this time Paolini reeled in Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina 3-6, 6-4, 6-4. Locked at 1-1, the final ticket required a doubles duel.

Paolini and friend-mentor Sara Errani, who are the reigning Roland-Garros and Olympics champions, demonstrated their doubles prowess with a 6-2, 6-3 scoreline to launch Italy into the final.

“It was really tough. Starting the first day, I wasn't feeling that good on court,” admitted Paolini.

“Match by match, I was feeling better. Today was probably the best match in this competition. I was feeling great today. I think that was the key to beat Jessica Pegula because she's very strong. I’m really happy about the performance.

“It's an unbelievable feeling. We're really happy and proud of ourselves, of our team. It's a great day for Italy.”

Over to captain Garbin to summarise the feel-good factor in the Italian ranks – especially as they are the current champions in the Davis Cup as well as the Billie Jean King Cup.

“It's an unbelievable moment. The girls show how it is to fight, how it is to give your heart for your country. They showed really the unity, I’m so proud,” declared Garbin.

"I think it's historical moment for the Italian tennis, not just men. Today again they show how strong they are when they have a dream and they running for the same dream. I'm just lucky to be here and be present with these magnificent girls."

Pegula heralded a strong stint in Shenzhen for the stars and stripes. The American bounced back from a 6-4, 6-1 defeat by Elena Rybakina to join Taylor Townsend in a decisive doubles victory over Kazakhstan’s Rybakina/Putintseva in the quarter-finals.

The world No.7 then guided Team USA into their first final since 2018 with a 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 battle with Great Britain’s Katie Boulter.

“We've had an awesome week here,” said Pegula. “It wasn't the result that we wanted today. Just wasn't our day. I think at the same time we really enjoyed competing together, making it to a final, getting through a lot of challenges. Came up short today.”