Italy Reaches Billie Jean King Cup Final with Thrilling Win Over Ukraine

Paolini and Errani secure Italy's spot in Billie Jean King Cup Final

Italy defeats Ukraine 2-1 to reach the Billie Jean King Cup final. Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani secure the win with a decisive doubles victory.

“We just want to enjoy the final on Sunday. It's amazing to play this competition...”

Defending champion Italy has made a remarkable comeback to reach the Billie Jean King Cup final for the third consecutive year. They defeated Ukraine 2-1 in the semifinals, with Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani playing crucial roles in the victory.

Italy advanced to the Billie Jean King Cup final after Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani secured a decisive doubles win against Ukraine. The Italian duo defeated Marta Kostyuk and Lyudmyla Kichenok 6-2, 6-3, drawing loud applause from the enthusiastic Italian fans who remained in their seats until close to midnight in Shenzhen, China.

Errani expressed her gratitude and excitement about the win, saying, “Today the crowd was amazing. We had the support of all these guys, the Italian fans. We enjoyed a lot playing in this competition.” She even joined the fans in chanting the traditional rallying cry of “Jia You,” which literally means “add oil,” showing her appreciation for their energetic support.

Sara Errani praised her doubles partner Jasmine Paolini, saying, “It was a tough day for Jasmine. She's doing an incredible job. It's not easy to play doubles after a tough singles match but she's so strong. I'm really happy to have her as my doubles partner.” Paolini had indeed had a demanding day, having played a grueling singles match against Elina Svitolina earlier.

In the singles match, Svitolina had a chance to put Ukraine 2-0 up but lost to Paolini in a thrilling 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 encounter. Despite her tough loss, Svitolina's determination and skill were evident throughout the match. Paolini's win set up the decisive doubles match, which she and Errani won convincingly.

Elina Svitolina dominated the opening set against Jasmine Paolini, breaking her in the third game with aggressive baseline hitting. A sizzling backhand winner sealed the set for Svitolina, putting Italy on the back foot. However, Paolini fought back, taking an early lead in the second set after breaking Svitolina. The Ukrainian player struggled to maintain her momentum, coming close to sealing the win with a 5-2 advantage but instead losing her way and surrendering the set.

The match's pivotal moment arrived in the second-set tiebreaker. Paolini had multiple opportunities to serve out the set and take a commanding lead but couldn't capitalize. Svitolina saved three match points and turned the tide with a crucial volley winner in a 14-stroke exchange. This momentum shift allowed her to take control of the third set, ultimately winning 4-6, 7-6 (6), 6-1.

Svitolina's victory showcases her resilience and ability to perform under pressure. The Ukrainian player has demonstrated remarkable form on clay courts this season, with 16 wins out of 27 matches. Her determination to keep the Ukrainian flag flying motivates her to push through challenges.

BACK-TO-BACK-TO-BACK FINALISTS 🇮🇹

Italy reach the #BJKCup Final for the third year running 👏 pic.twitter.com/jsXlfmfBdu

— Billie Jean King Cup (@BJKCup) September 19, 2025

Jasmine Paolini fought fiercely to hold in an intense eight-deuce game early in the deciding set against Elina Svitolina. She took the lead 4-2, but Svitolina clawed her way back, pushing Paolini to her limits. However, the determined Italian raised her level again and refused to be denied, ultimately prevailing in a hard-fought match.

The win was crucial for Italy, as Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk had earlier defeated Elisabetta Cocciaretto 6-2, 6-3, putting the pressure on Paolini to deliver. Paolini, ranked world number eight, had previously lost to Svitolina in their first two meetings but was determined to keep her team alive. Her victory set up a decisive doubles match, which would determine the fate of Italy's Billie Jean King Cup campaign.

Jasmine Paolini expressed confidence in her doubles partnership with Sara Errani ahead of their decisive match. “We've been playing doubles together for the last two years, more or less every tournament,” Paolini said. This experience will undoubtedly benefit them as they take on the Ukrainian duo of Marta Kostyuk and Lyudmyla Kichenok. Paolini and Errani's recent successes, including Olympic gold in Paris last year and the French Open doubles title in June, further boost their confidence.

Their chemistry on the court was evident in their 6-2, 6-3 win over the Ukrainian pair, securing Italy's spot in the Billie Jean King Cup final. Errani praised Paolini's incredible job, saying, “It was a tough day for Jasmine. She's doing an incredible job. It's not easy to play doubles after a tough singles match but she's so strong. I'm really happy to have her as my doubles partner.” With this strong partnership, Italy is set to face either the United States or Great Britain in the final.

“It's good to have doubles as well in the Billie Jean King Cup. We enjoy playing doubles a lot and we enjoy playing in this competition. She has won this competition four times. She loves the tournament.

“I have to thank the team for supporting us ... and also the fans. They were amazing.

“We just want to enjoy the final on Sunday. It's amazing to play this competition. The expectation that I have is that all the fans come back and cheer for us.”

Italy will face either the United States or Great Britain in the Billie Jean King Cup final. The US and Britain will compete in the other semifinal on Saturday, with the winner advancing to face Italy in the championship match. The United States is seeking a record-extending 19th title, while Great Britain aims to reach its first final in 44 years.

Possible Opponents for Italy:

• United States: 18-time champion, seeking a record-extending 19th title

• Key players: Jessica Pegula, Emma Navarro, Taylor Townsend

• Great Britain: Four-time runners-up, aiming for a first final in 44 years

• Key players: Katie Boulter, Sonay Kartal, Francesca Jones

The semifinal match between the US and Great Britain will take place on Saturday, with the winner advancing to face Italy in the final.

The winning moment 🇮🇹@federtennis | #BJKCup pic.twitter.com/6jHwMZOZkI

— Billie Jean King Cup (@BJKCup) September 19, 2025

The Winning Matches:

Singles: Marta Kostyuk gave Ukraine an early lead by defeating Elisabetta Cocciaretto 6-2, 6-3. However, Jasmine Paolini staged an impressive comeback against Elina Svitolina, winning 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 after being a set and 4-2 down.

Decisive Doubles: Paolini and Errani sealed the win for Italy, defeating Marta Kostyuk and Lyudmyla Kichenok 6-2, 6-3 in the doubles match. Despite leading 3-1 in the second set, Kostyuk and Kichenok double-faulted, allowing Italy to capitalize on the opportunity.

What's Next for Italy:

Italy will now face either the United States or Great Britain in the final, with the two teams competing in the other semifinal on Saturday. The United States is seeking a record-extending 19th title, while Great Britain aims for its first-ever Billie Jean King Cup title. Italy's victory marks a significant milestone, as they become the first team to reach three successive finals since the Czech Republic won three straight titles from 2014-2016.