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New Delhi: Defending champions Italy kept their dream alive of lifting back-to-back Billie Jean King Cup titles after clawing their way back to beat Ukraine 2-1 in a gripping semifinal clash in Shenzhen on Friday. It was far from straightforward for the Italians, who had to overturn an early deficit before booking a third straight appearance in the final.
The decisive blow came in the doubles when veteran Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini's combined efforts defeated Marta Kostyuk and Lyudmyla Kichenok 6-2, 6-3. At one stage in the second set, Ukraine looked poised to force a decider when they led 3-1 and even held a point for 4-2, only for a costly double fault to open the door. Errani and Paolini pounced and never looked back, delivering the point Italy needed to seal the tie.
Before their doubles heroics, Paolini had already produced one of the comebacks of the tournament. The world No. 8 while playing Elina Svitolina was trailing by a set and 4-2 before turning the contest around with relentless fight. She snatched the second set and held her nerve in the decider, winning 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 to pull Italy level after Ukraine had struck first.
This was far from the first time Paolini has been Italy’s saviour. She was central to their run to the title last year and once again proved why she is the team’s heartbeat. This win carried extra spice given Svitolina had beaten her twice this season including at Roland Garros where Paolini let slip a commanding lead. This time, it was the Italian who showed resilience when it mattered most, flipping the script in dramatic fashion.
Ukraine had started the tie in perfect fashion as Kostyuk brushed aside Elisabetta Cocciaretto 6-2, 6-3 to give her country an early edge. The prospect of a fairytale final felt within touching distance for a nation playing its first-ever tournament final.
Though, in the end Italy’s greater depth and experience shone through. Errani, who has long thrived in doubles, and Paolini, fresh from her singles heroics, combined with composure to close the door on Ukraine’s hopes. The victory also ensured Italy became the first nation since Czechia in 2016 to reach three consecutive Billie Jean King Cup finals.
