Defending champion Italy kept its bid for a title alive on Thursday at the Billie Jean King Cup in Shenzhen, defeating host nation China 2,1 in the quarterfinals. Jasmine Paolini delivered the decisive victory for the Squadra Azzurra, overcoming an early deficit by winning both her singles match and the deciding doubles rubber alongside partner Sara Errani.
A Rocky Start Against Host Nation China
The quarterfinal tie at the Shenzhen tournament began on difficult footing for the reigning champions. Elisabetta Cocciaretto dropped the opening singles encounter in straight sets, falling 0:6, 2:6 to Zhang Shuai.
Jasmine Paolini leveled the tie by defeating Zheng Qinwen 6:3, 7:6(4) in a second singles match.
Doubles Deciders Secure Semifinal Berths
With the tie level at 1:1, Paolini returned to the court alongside Sara Errani to face the Chinese pairing of Guo Hanyu and Jiang Xinyu. The Italian duo secured a 6:3, 5:7, 6:3 victory in three sets, booking Italy’s spot in the next round. The outcome mirrored the parallel quarterfinal between Ukraine and Belgium, which also required a doubles rubber to settle a 2:1 scoreline.
Ukraine similarly needed their doubles pairing of Anhelina Kalinina and Ljudmyla Kichenok to clinch advancement after Elina Svitolina fell in three sets to Greet Minnen.
Saturday’s Semifinal Matchup
Italy now advances to the semifinals on Saturday, where the squad will face Ukraine in Shenzhen. The winner of that clash moves one step closer to the Billie Jean King Cup trophy, while the other semifinal on Friday features co-favorite the Czech Republic against Spain.
