Italy has no rival: defeats the United States and validates the title of the Billie Jean King Cup

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Italy does not tire of winning. The transalpine country has once again demonstrated its strength as a group, and while a year ago it defended its title in the Copa Davis, this time it does so in the Billie Jean King Cup, matching the feat achieved by Czech Republic in 2015 and 2016. They achieve this after defeating United States in a final that seemed to promise more equality, but the Italians showed no mercy. First, Elisabetta Cocciaretto paved the way by defeating Emma Navarro (6-4, 6-4), and Jasmine Paolini sealed the deal by defeating Jessica Pegula (6-4, 6-3) to secure the sixth Billie Jean King Cup for Italy.

The world number eight not only faced the challenge of closing the tie and securing the title for her country, but she also sought her first victory against Jessica Pegula. The American had completely dominated their head-to-head with five wins in their previous five encounters. However, their last match was in August 2023 at the WTA Montreal. Since then, Paolini's progress has been meteoric, with two Grand Slam finals and entering the top 10 of the WTA ranking.

Tension and equality in equal measure

It was evident that the match would be more evenly balanced and simultaneously tense. Both players were aware of what was at stake. Each had a different burden to bear. Paolini had to close the tie, while Pegula needed to keep the United States alive and force the decisive doubles match.

However, the Italian was more comfortable within this equality that was emerging, unlike the American. Paolini broke when presented with the only opportunity in the first set to move within a set of the title (6-4).

Paolini brings the title closer to Italy

At that moment, the balance shifted. Paolini relieved herself of a burden, while Pegula realized she had to work much harder. The mental aspect came into play, and the Italian broke to lead 5-1. The trophy was within reach, and it was then that the American's pride emerged: she saved three match points and pulled back to 5-2.

But Paolini secured the victory on the second opportunity (6-4, 6-2) and the title for Italy, reclaiming the championship of the Billie Jean King Cup for the second consecutive year, with a united group that has been crucial in moments of maximum equality, especially against China in the quarters and Ukraine in the semis. With Elisabetta Cocciaretto and Jasmine Paolini as individual weapons and Sara Errani as a doubles anchor, Italy reaffirms itself as a standard-bearer for women's tennis. Currently, Italy has no rival.
 

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Italia no tiene rival: funde a Estados Unidos y revalida el título de la Billie Jean King Cup