Italy’s Jasmine Paolini secured the Billie Jean King Cup for her team by defeating Jessica Pegula in straight sets in the final held in Shenzhen, China. Paolini, ranked eighth, triumphed 6-4, 6-2, while her teammate Elisabetta Cocciaretto, ranked 91st, also won her match against Emma Navarro in straight sets. Paolini’s decisive shot was a two-hand backhand down the line, breaking Pegula’s serve and propelling Italy closer to victory at the Shenzhen Bay Sports Center Arena.
Although Pegula fought back from a 5-1 deficit, Paolini eventually sealed the win on her fourth match point with a powerful forehand. The Italian team, including Olympic champions Paolini and Sara Errani, celebrated their sixth title, outmatching the United States, historically the most successful team in the competition. Italy’s victory marked their third consecutive final appearance, while the Americans last reached the final in 2018.