Home SPORTS Italy Advances to BJK Cup Semifinals with Thrilling Win Over China

Italy Advances to BJK Cup Semifinals with Thrilling Win Over China

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Jasmine Paolini
Paolini and Cocciaretto stage epic comebacks to send Italy to semis



Italy secures a spot in the Billie Jean King Cup semifinals after a thrilling 2-0 win over China, thanks to epic comebacks from Jasmine Paolini and Elisabetta Cocciaretto.


“Something changed in my mind and I said, ‘Go for it, be aggressive, and no matter what, don't think about the...”


Jasmine Paolini and Elisabetta Cocciaretto staged epic comebacks to lead Italy to victory over China in the Billie Jean King Cup quarterfinals. Cocciaretto's thrilling 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 win over Yue Yuan gave Italy the opening point, as she fought back from a set down to prevail in a grueling match.


Paolini then sealed the win for Italy, coming from behind to defeat Wang Xinyu 4-6, 7-6(4), 6-4. Despite losing the first set and facing early breaks in the second and third sets, Paolini's experience and skill ultimately paid off. “It was a really tough one. Xinyu was playing really good tennis,” Paolini said, acknowledging her opponent's strong performance.




With this win, Italy advances to the semifinals for the third consecutive year, building on their title defense. The Italian team's resilience and determination were on full display in their comeback victories.


Elisabetta Cocciaretto staged an incredible comeback to give Italy the opening point against China in the Billie Jean King Cup quarterfinals. Trailing 6-4, 5-2 and 0-4 in the decider, Cocciaretto fought back to win nine consecutive games and claim a thrilling 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 victory over Yue Yuan.


Cocciaretto's win set the stage for Jasmine Paolini's own comeback victory, as Italy went on to defeat China and advance to the semifinals. After the match, Paolini reflected on her performance, saying, “Today was a bit tough for me, but I tried to stay there for everyone that was on the bench, the Italian fans, for the country.” Her determination and resilience were key to Italy's win.




“For sure, it was a tough moment. She was playing unbelievable, and I wasn't too aggressive,” said Cocciaretto of her mindset at 2-5.


“Something changed in my mind and I said, ‘Go for it, be aggressive, and no matter what, don't think about the score, just try your best and fight'. And that's what I did.”


Yue responded by winning the first 14 consecutive points of the third set en route to a 4-0 advantage. But once again, Cocciaretto fought back, clawing her way to 5-5 and claiming a decisive break in the 11th game to deliver a blow to the home fans.


“It was the first match of the Billie Jean King Cup, facing the home team. I knew that there was tension between us,” said the 92nd-ranked Cocciaretto.


Tennis legend Billie Jean King attended the match, and Cocciaretto admitted she was nervous at the start when she spotted her in the stands.


“I said to myself, 'Don’t think and don’t watch her, please, because if not, you don’t think about the game'.


“But I'm really honoured to play this match and see her in the crowd,” added the 24-year-old.




In the semi-finals, Italy will face the winner of Wednesday's clash between Spain and Ukraine.


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