Italy, after reaffirming the Billie Jean King Cup title: "We hope to be able to inspire many girls"

Andrés Tomás Rico | 21 Sep 2025 | 17.50

Italy, after confirming the title of the Billie Jean King Cup: "We hope to be able to serve as an inspiration to many girls". Photo: Gettyimages.

Streaming French Open Women live tennis

🎾 Aryna Sabalenka vs Daria Kasatkina

Sign up with Bet365 here
Make your first deposit of at least €5
Go to the “Live” section and watch every match

Watch the match on Bet365

Neither pressure, nor the United States, nor anything could stop Italy when it came to defending its Billie Jean King Cup title. They first achieved it in Malaga last year and they repeat it this season in Shenzhen with a team almost identical to the one from 2024: Jasmine Paolini, Elisabetta Cociaretto, Sara Errani, Lucia Bronzetti, and the only newcomer, Tyra Grant, the new Italian promise replacing Martina Trevisan. Still under the leadership of Tathiana Garbin. In other words, the core remained intact, and the unity of the azurri was crucial in winning the title.

This was because their journey in the Billie Jean King Cup was no walk in the park. Along with the pressure of being defending champions, they faced two intense rounds. First against China, which although was resolved in singles, both Paolini and Cociaretto had to go to three sets. And then against Ukraine, the tie was decided in doubles where the pair who won the Olympic gold, Errani and Paolini, did not give Lyudmyla Kichenok and Marta Kostyuk any chance, especially after the latter secured the first point against Cocciaretto.

The final turned out more comfortable than expected, considering they were up against the 17-time champion United States. First, Cocciaretto against Emma Navarro (6-4, 6-4), and then Paolini against Jessica Pegula (6-4, 6-2) secured the title for Italy. Following the well-deserved celebration, the Italian team attended a press conference.

Pride above all

Paolini: "It's an incredible feeling. Today was a tough match. We are very happy and proud of ourselves, of our team. It's a great day for Italy."

Garbin: "I am very proud of my players. They play with passion, with great personality, and they all play an important part in history."

Paolini didn't want to talk about a possible doubles match

Paolini: "I thought it was just another match against the United States. It was very tough, but we did an incredible job. Honestly, I was only focused on my match against Pegula, who is an amazing player. I was trying to concentrate on myself and hoping I wouldn't have to play doubles after that."

Fifth Billie Jean King Cup for Errani

Errani: "It's amazing to be part of this team. I am very happy that we didn't have to play doubles today. I think it has been an incredible week for all of us, for the entire team. Playing in these competitions is always special, so I am very proud and happy."

Paolini, getting better and better

Paolini: "I didn't feel very good on the court the first day. But, match after match, I started feeling better. Today's match was probably the best of the competition. I felt really good today. I think it showed when I defeated Jessica Pegula, because she is very strong, so I am very happy with my performance."

A role model for future Italian tennis players

Paolini: "It's incredible. I still can't believe it. It's amazing to see how we fought on the court. We try to give our best. I think playing for the national team is something I always looked at and dreamed about. I hope many, many girls start playing tennis. I believe tennis is growing a lot in Italy. We hope to be an inspiration for many girls," concludes a Jasmine Paolini who will undoubtedly be one of the main figures for the younger generations to look up to, especially after securing the second consecutive Billie Jean King Cup.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Italia, tras revalidar el título de la Billie Jean King Cup: "Esperamos poder servir de inspiración a muchas niñas"

WTA