Billie Jean King Cup: Jasmine Paolini’s Italy beat Japan to reach semi-finals
Jasmine Paolini won both her singles and doubles matches to lead Italy into the Billie Jean King Cup semi-finals with victory over Japan.
Seeking a first semi-final at the event since 1966, Japan took the lead in the best-of-three tie when Ena Shibahara mounted a comeback to defeat Elisabetta Cocciaretto 3-6 6-4 6-4 in the opening singles match.
But up stepped world number four Paolini to level the tie, swiftly beating 56th-ranked Moyuka Uchijima 6-3 6-4 to force a doubles decider.
French Open and Wimbledon runner-up Paolini then teamed up with Sara Errani, three months after they won Olympic gold together, to beat Japan’s Shuko Aoyama and Eri Hozumi 6-3 6-4.
Italy are four-time BJK Cup champions but lost to Canada in the final of last year’s tournament.
They will play Iga Swiatek’s Poland or the Czech Republic in the semi-finals.
Related
Cameron Norrie advances at Indian Wells but top seed Alexander…
Great Britain's Cameron Norrie fought from a set down to reach the third round at Indian Wells but top seed Alexander Zverev was d
Tommy’s Time: All-Court American Seeks Next Milestone
His coach Brad Stine says that these types of big goals are what keeps the New Jersey native motivated. “There are still a lot of things within the sport tha
Nick Kyrgios acknowledges uncertain future after retirement from match with…
The latest setback for Nick Kyrgios has the Australian tennis player wondering aloud about his future. A nagging wrist injury forced an emotional Kyrgios to r
Former Indian Wells champion says she is ‘very sorry’ as…
The 2025 Indian Wells tournament is well underway as the stars of the WTA Tour search for success in the Californian desert.Several top stars will believe they
