Italy reveals the key to its success after surviving another critical elimination

Fernando Murciego - 24 Sep 2026 | 19:44
WTA Italia Billie Jean King Cup 2026 Jasmine Paolini China

Once again Jasmine Paolini. Once again Sara Errani. Once again the magical duo takes Italy to the semifinals of the Billie Jean King Cup. After defeating China, both players analyzed their outstanding performance.

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Jasmine Paolini confesses what was Italy's key to overcoming China in the Billie Jean King Cup. Source: Getty

The champions of the Billie Jean King Cup will remain the reigning champions, at least for one more day. Italy had to grit their teeth against China to advance from the quarter-finals, where the magical duo of Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini tipped the balance once again.

Once again, it was demonstrated how difficult it is to win this competition. Even getting through a single round at this stage of the tournament can present a maximum challenge. Italy knows this well, having lifted the trophy in the last two editions, but they also know that stringing together three consecutive wins is a mission of almost utopian proportions. Jasmine Paolini had to don her hero's cape to earn the two necessary points, keeping alive the dream of a whole country that becomes invincible when it comes to defending its flag.

Paolini and Errani step up when they were needed most

The important thing, as always, is that the decisive match ended in an Italian victory. For Paolini, it was a true test of endurance, as she had previously played five sets between singles and doubles in a day that felt endless. “I don't know how the guys do it in the Grand Slams,” the Italian joked. “It was tough, you have to play after half an hour, but I think the team and the competition gave me the energy,” she added.

Paolini acknowledged that she and Errani had not played together for quite some time, but they knew how to elevate their level when it mattered most. “In the important moments of the third set, we did a great job,” she explained. The number one Italian also highlighted the atmosphere during her match against Qinwen Zheng, with 10,000 spectators supporting the Chinese player. “It's great to have so many people watching tennis. Of course, they cheered for Qinwen, but it's also fantastic for our sport,” she pointed out.

The tie also required immense mental strength from Sara Errani. The veteran Italian had to wait for hours while her teammates played their matches before stepping onto the court to fight for a place in the semi-finals. “It's not easy, it was a very long day, we just fought. We fought for every point in every match,” she explained. “I couldn't play my best tennis, I was really tired and couldn't be fully focused, but I tried to be there and fight for Italy, for our team, and for all the people who help us every day,” she emphasized.

Tatiana Garbin, the captain, also did not hide her pride after a tie in which China once again put Italy on the ropes. “It was very tough, even last time. This time, especially, with all these players who are playing incredible tennis. I am proud to be there and see this level of tennis,” the coach stated.

Italy thus returns to the semi-finals, once again demonstrating that in the BJK Cup, having great individuals is not enough. You have to endure, adapt, and, above all, find strength when there isn’t much left. “I don’t know how we do it,” Paolini acknowledged at the beginning. Perhaps that is precisely one of the specialties of this team.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Italia da la clave de su éxito tras sobrevivir a otra eliminatoria crítica