Jasmine Paolini powers Italy into Billie Jean King Cup final

Jasmine Paolini delivered a commanding performance under pressure to lead Italy into the final of the Billie Jean King Cup, edging out a determined Ukrainian team in a tightly contested semi-final on Friday.

After Italy dropped the opening singles match, world No. 8 Paolini rallied from a set down to overcome Elina Svitolina in a high-stakes encounter, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.

The dramatic win forced a deciding doubles match, where Paolini teamed up with veteran Sara Errani to clinch the tie for the defending champions.

Facing Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk and Lyudmyla Kichenok, the experienced Italian duo showed their class with a straight-sets victory, 6-2, 6-3, securing a 2-1 overall win and booking Italy’s spot in Sunday’s final.

Ukraine, making their debut appearance in the semi-finals of the competition, had taken an early lead after Kostyuk dispatched Elisabetta Cocciaretto 6-2, 6-3.

Svitolina then looked poised to close out the tie in the second singles match, building momentum after a dominant first set against Paolini.

However, the Italian refused to yield. Down a break and nearly trailing 5-2 in the second set, Paolini mounted a fierce comeback, winning four consecutive games to wrest control of the match.

A marathon eighth game in the final set, featuring eight deuces, proved pivotal as she held firm to go up 4-2 before sealing the victory after more than two hours on court.

With confidence riding high, Paolini returned to court alongside Errani—her regular doubles partner and former French Open champion—to finish the job.

Their synergy proved too strong for the Ukrainian pair, as Italy advanced to their second consecutive Billie Jean King Cup final.

Italy will now await the winner of the other semi-final between Great Britain and the United States. The Americans are in pursuit of a record-extending 19th title, while Britain is eyeing their first-ever triumph in the prestigious team event.

As Paolini continues to shine at the heart of Italy’s campaign, the reigning champions look well-positioned to defend their crown in Sunday’s showdown.