Elisabetta Cocciaretto Strikes First to Set the Tone
Italy proved unstoppable once again in team competition, securing their second consecutive Billie Jean King Cup Finals title on Sunday with a commanding 2-0 sweep over the United States in Shenzhen. Leading the charge? A fearless Italian squad anchored by Jasmine Paolini and Elisabetta Cocciaretto.
In the opening singles rubber, Cocciaretto delivered a clutch performance to outclass Emma Navarro 6-4, 6-4. Calm and composed from the first ball, the Italian broke early and dominated the baseline exchanges with aggressive ball striking. Despite a late surge from Navarro, who took a 4-2 lead in the second set, Cocciaretto reeled off four straight games to shut the door and hand Italy the opening point.
“It was an unbelievable match for me,” Cocciaretto said. “I knew I had to play my best tennis. I’m really happy about the performance and the point I gave to Italy.”
Jasmine Paolini Ends Pegula Streak to Seal Historic Sixth Title
With the USA facing elimination, all eyes turned to world No. 5 Jessica Pegula to even the tie. But Jasmine Paolini had other plans. Despite a 0-5 head-to-head record against Pegula, the Italian No. 1 flipped the script with a ruthless 6-4, 6-2 victory.
Paolini fended off early pressure, saving break points at 2-2 and again at 5-4 before breaking Pegula to grab the first set. The second set was a rollercoaster of traded breaks early on, but once Paolini grabbed a 4-1 lead, there was no turning back. Even after Pegula broke for 5-2, Paolini slammed the door, sealing the match and Italy’s sixth Billie Jean King Cup title.
Italy now joins elite company as one of the few nations to successfully defend the title, showcasing depth, belief, and chemistry. For the USA, despite a talented lineup, this marks another frustrating chapter as the most decorated team in the competition struggles to recapture its former dominance.
While the doubles rubber went unplayed, Italy left no doubt: this squad, led by Paolini and Cocciaretto, is built for the big stage.
Tested in Battle: Italy’s Grit, USA’s Firepower
Italy’s path to the final was anything but smooth. In a nail-biting semifinal against Ukraine, the defending champions were pushed to the brink. Elisabetta Cocciaretto dropped her singles match, putting pressure squarely on Jasmine Paolini. The world No. 7 responded with poise, battling past Elina Svitolina in three sets to level the tie. Then, teaming up with veteran Sara Errani, Paolini delivered again—clinching the decisive doubles rubber to keep Italy’s title defense alive.
The United States had a less complicated route. They swept past Great Britain 2‑0 in their semifinal, thanks to commanding singles wins from Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro.