Italy Reaches Second Consecutive Billie Jean King Cup Final After Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Poland

Posted : 19 November 2024

Italy secured their second consecutive Billie Jean King Cup final appearance with a thrilling 2-1 win over Iga Swiatek's Poland on Monday in Malaga. The match was set to be a dramatic contest, with both teams pushing to the limit.

After Swiatek managed to come from behind to defeat Jasmine Paolini in her singles match, the final decision rested on the doubles match. Paolini, alongside veteran Sara Errani, faced Swiatek and Katarzyna Kawa in the decisive doubles match, where the Italians emerged victorious, winning 7-5, 7-5 to secure Italy’s place in Wednesday’s final.

The tie began with Italy's Lucia Bronzetti defeating Magda Linette 6-4, 7-6 (7/3) in the opening singles rubber. The victory put Italy in the lead, setting the stage for Swiatek’s battle against Paolini, which lasted over two and a half hours. Despite Paolini’s strong performance, Swiatek showed resilience, claiming a 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 win to level the tie at 1-1. Swiatek's victory was critical but also took a toll on her energy, as she admitted to feeling exhausted after the match, knowing that the doubles still awaited her.

Paolini, who had struggled in previous encounters with Swiatek, was determined to give her best despite the setback in the singles. She pushed through her disappointment after her singles loss, channeling her energy into the doubles. "When I lost the (singles) match, I was a little bit sad, but then I tried to go in the locker room and think positive about the doubles," said Paolini. In the doubles, however, Poland’s hopes were dashed as Italy’s pairing of Paolini and Errani gained momentum, winning the final six games in a row to clinch the victory.

The doubles match unfolded with both teams exchanging strong performances. In the first set, Errani and Paolini broke Swiatek and Kawa's serve to take the lead and held on to win the set 7-5. In the second set, Poland gained a commanding 5-1 lead, but the Italians made a remarkable comeback, winning six games in a row to seal the win. Errani, known for her underarm serve under pressure, used it effectively in the final point. "I did it many times this year, (when there's) tension it's a good combination sometimes to do it," she said after the match.

Errani’s and Paolini's victory handed Italy the final spot, much to the delight of their supporters. Despite a tough day on court, Errani found strength in the team’s performance, saying, "It was not easy, it was a really long day... but then I found the way, I think we played a really good match." Italy’s resilience and composure in the doubles ultimately secured their place in the final, where they will face the winner of the Great Britain vs. Slovakia semifinal on Tuesday.

Italy Reaches Second Consecutive Billie Jean King Cup Final After Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Poland

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