Daijiworld Media Network – Shenzhen
Shenzhen, Sep 25: Defending champions Italy defeated China 2-1 in Shenzhen to reach the Billie Jean King Cup semi-finals for the fourth consecutive year, with Jasmine Paolini once again playing a decisive role.
China took an early lead after Zhang Shuai defeated Elisabetta Cocciaretto 6-0, 6-2 at the Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre Arena.
Playing her first BJK Cup match since 2020, Zhang dominated from the start, winning the opening seven games and capitalising on Cocciaretto's errors to put China within one victory of the semi-finals.
Italy responded through Paolini, who defeated Olympic singles champion Zheng Qinwen 6-3, 7-6(4) to level the tie.
Paolini broke Zheng in the opening game and raced to a 3-0 lead before taking the first set. The second set was closely contested, with Zheng forcing a tie-break after recovering from 6-5 down. Paolini held her nerve to secure victory and register her ninth consecutive BJK Cup match win.
The deciding doubles rubber saw Paolini team up with Sara Errani against Hanyu Guo and Xinyu Jiang. The Italian pair won the opening set 6-3, but China fought back to take the second 7-5.
Italy moved ahead early in the deciding set before China levelled at 3-3. Paolini and Errani then secured another break in the seventh game and held their advantage to win 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 after two hours and 14 minutes.
Italy will face Ukraine in the semi-finals for the second consecutive year.
China's best BJK Cup result remains a semi-final appearance in 2008.