The defending champions, Italy, defeated Ukraine 2-1 in a tense Billie Jean King Cup semifinal to advance to the final.  After being pushed to their limits, Italy recovered with grit, determination, and clutch performances, particularly from Jasmine Paolini and the doubles duo of Paolini and Sara Errani. 

 A rocky start

 Italy did not start the tie on a solid foundation.  Elisabetta Cocciaretto lost the first singles match to Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine, 6-2, 6-3.  The defeat put Italy immediately on the back foot. 

This meant that Jasmine Paolini was the focus of attention in the second singles match.  If Italy was to stay in the competition, she needed to deliver.

Paolini’s Resurgence: Turning It Around

Paolini responded with style.  After losing the first set 6-3 to Elina Svitolina, she dug deep.  She won the second set 6-4 and then held her nerve in a tight third set, winning 6-4 to tie the match for Italy. 

 Her comeback was about staying focused under pressure, not just making shots.  She was down 4-2 in the second set and had to recover; in the third set, she faced difficult stretches but maintained her composure. 

 That win demonstrated why she has become such an important player for Italy in recent years.  Italy needed the momentum after losing Cocciaretto.  Paolini delivered.

Doubles Decides It

With the tie at 1-1, everything rested on the doubles match.  Paolini and veteran Sara Errani faced Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk and Lyudmyla Kichenok.  Italy started off strong, winning the doubles in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3. 

 Even though the Ukrainians rallied in parts, leading briefly in the second set, the Italians held firm at critical moments.  Errani, in particular, appeared to shine with her experience: she and Paolini found solutions when Ukraine threatened to shift momentum.

Why This Matters

Three Finals in a Row: With this victory, Italy becomes the first country since the Czech Republic (2014-16) to reach three straight BJK Cup finals.  It’s a statement about consistency and experience on the big stage. 

 Ukraine’s Growing Presence: Reaching this far in the semifinals for the first time was a significant achievement for Ukraine.  Although they fell short, their performance in singles and doubles demonstrates the team’s upward trend. 

 Pressure and Clutch Play: Tennis at this level frequently comes down to how well you handle pressure, as Italy demonstrated.  Paolini’s recovery, combined with Errani’s composure in doubles, made the difference.

Looking Ahead: Who Will They Face?

Italy now awaits the winner of the other semifinal, which is between the United States and Great Britain.  The winner of that tie will face Italy in the final. 

 Given Italy’s form, particularly in high-pressure situations, they will be difficult to beat.  The final battle, whether in the United States or the United Kingdom, promises to be hard fought.  Tathiana Garbin, Italy’s captain, expressed her pride in her team’s fighting spirit.

Final Thoughts

Italy demonstrated resilience and character in Shenzhen.  Despite a shaky start, they held firm, found energy when it counted, and sealed the deal in doubles.  Paolini’s performance exemplified this: she overcame adversity, persevered during difficult times, and delivered under pressure.

 For Italian tennis fans, this victory demonstrates the country’s continued dominance in women’s team competition — not just through individual talent, but also through depth, spirit, and experience in the moments that define champions.