USA Edges GB, Sets Up Billie Jean King Cup Final Against Italy

Pegula and Navarro lead USA to Billie Jean King Cup Final

The United States will face Italy in the Billie Jean King Cup final after Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro led the team to a 2-0 win over Great Britain.

“I feel a ton of pride playing for my country, it means the world to me to have the American flag on my chest...”

The United States is set to vie for a record-extending 19th Billie Jean King Cup title after securing a decisive 2-0 victory over Great Britain in the semifinals. Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro led the charge, with Pegula clinching the win against Katie Boulter in a thrilling match that ended 3-6, 6-4, 6-2. This sets the stage for a highly anticipated final against reigning champions Italy.

“It's the first time I'll be in a final," said Pegula.

“I think everybody in the team, it'll be our first time, so it'll be a new experience for us, but there's nobody else that I would rather share it with.

“We have an awesome team and awesome coaches. We're excited to be back, and hopefully we'll take the title”

Jessica Pegula, ranked seventh in the world, seized control of the intense match by securing a vital break in the fifth game of the deciding set. She then held her nerve to claim victory, culminating in a decisive forehand shot that her opponent, Katie Boulter, returned into the net on match point.

Pegula's win was the result of a hard-fought battle, with both players trading points and momentum throughout the match. However, Pegula's ability to capitalize on key moments, particularly the break in the fifth game, proved pivotal. Her powerful forehand shot on match point sealed the win and sent her country through to the next stage.

USA HAVE DONE IT! THEY'RE IN THE FINAL 🇺🇸

A record-breaking 31st appearance in the #BJKCup Final and their first since 2018 💪

Watch them take on defending World Champions Italy on Sunday, September 21 🏆 pic.twitter.com/AZzwlFCzDh

— Billie Jean King Cup (@BJKCup) September 20, 2025

“It's the first time I'll be in a final,” said Pegula.

“I think everybody in the team, it'll be our first time, so it'll be a new experience for us, but there's nobody else that I would rather share it with.

“We have an awesome team and awesome coaches. We're excited to be back, and hopefully we'll take the title.”

Emma Navarro set the tone for the US team's victory, coming from a set down to defeat Sonay Kartal 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 in a thrilling match. Navarro, ranked 18th in the world, showed resilience and determination in the face of a loud and energetic crowd at the Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre Arena. “I had a ton of support from the ladies in my team,” Navarro said, highlighting the team's camaraderie. “I feel a ton of pride playing for my country, it means the world to me to have the American flag on my chest,” she added, emphasizing her passion for representing the US.

Navarro's win gave the US an early advantage, which Jessica Pegula later built upon with her victory over Katie Boulter. The US team's strong performance was marked by impressive teamwork and individual skill, setting them up for a potential title win. The team's next challenge is the final against Italy, where they will aim to claim their 19th Billie Jean King Cup title.

“I had a ton of support from the ladies in my team. I feel a ton of pride playing for my country, it means the world to me to have the American flag on my chest,” Navarro said.

“I was hearing you guys cheering me on. Britain (fans) were pretty loud in this match, so I needed all the help I could get.”

The United States is set to face Italy in the Billie Jean King Cup final, aiming to claim their first title since 2017. Italy, the reigning champion, will look to defend their crown after reaching their third consecutive final. The US team, led by captain Lindsay Davenport and featuring top players like Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro, will need to overcome Italy's strong lineup, spearheaded by Jasmine Paolini, to secure their 19th title.

The US team has shown promise, with Pegula and Navarro leading the charge in the semifinals against Great Britain. However, Italy's experience and skill will make them a formidable opponent in the final.

Key Highlights of the Match:

Jessica Pegula's Winning Performance: Pegula fought back from a set down to defeat Katie Boulter and give the US an unassailable lead.

Emma Navarro's Earlier Win: Navarro had previously secured a 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 victory over Sonay Kartal, setting the tone for the US team's dominance.

US Team's Momentum: The win marks a significant moment for the US team, which is looking to end its title drought since 2017.

The final match against Italy promises to be an exciting showdown, with both teams eager to claim the coveted title. Italy, the defending champion, will look to retain its crown, while the US team, led by Pegula and Navarro, will aim to bring home its 19th trophy.