Jasmine Paolini delivers comeback magic as Italy knocks out hosts China to keep Billie Jean King Cup title defense alive

It was an incredible start to the Billie Jean King Cup Finals series, as the defending champions, Italy, pulled off two remarkable comebacks against the host team, China, to secure their spot in the semifinals. Jasmine Paolini and Elisabetta Cocciaretto were the heroes of the day, as both had to rally from behind to clinch the victory for the Europeans.

Heading into the match, Italy was the clear favorite, especially considering China was without its top star, Zheng Qinwen (No. 9), who has been sidelined for the past couple of months due to an injury. Without the Tokyo 2024 gold medalist, the Asian team seemed diminished, though hopes remained with World No. 34 Wang Xinyu and former doubles World No. 2 Shuai Zhang on the roster.

For the first match, Italian captain Tathiana Garbin chose to send out Elisabetta Cocciaretto (No. 91) instead of the higher-ranked Lucia Bronzetti (No. 64). The 24-year-old faced Yuan Yue (No. 102), a highly experienced player for the Chinese BJK Cup team. Yuan took an early lead with a break in the sixth game of the first set. While Cocciaretto quickly broke back, Yuan ultimately won the set 6-4, winning 77% of her first-serve points compared to the Italian's 57%.

In the second set, Yuan seized momentum, winning three consecutive games to start, for a total of five straight games across both sets. The Chinese player held onto her lead and even had opportunities to get a double break. However, Cocciaretto showed remarkable resilience, fighting to stay in the match. With the score at 5-2 in favor of Yuan, the Chinese player had a chance to serve for the win but couldn't close it out. Cocciaretto won five straight games in a stunning comeback, taking the second set 7-5.

Yuan again took an early lead in the third set, winning the first 14 points and going up 4-0. But Cocciaretto once again proved she could overcome adversity. In total, Yuan served for the match three times and failed to convert. Cocciaretto clawed her way back, getting a break to trail 2-5, and just like in the second set, she won five consecutive games to seal the victory: 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 in a match that lasted nearly three hours.

In the second match, World No. 8 Jasmine Paolini was the clear favorite, but she had a tough challenge against the quiet Wang Xinyu (No. 34). The first set began with a break on both sides, but as the players settled into their service games, Wang looked closer to getting the decisive break. Wang won 63% of her service points compared to Paolini's 58%. The Chinese player capitalized on an opportunity in the seventh game and then held on to her serve to win the first set 6-4.

The Chinese team was on top again in the second set. After a shaky start from both players, Wang secured a break in the fifth game and took the lead. She even had a chance to serve for the win at 5-3, but Paolini emulated Cocciaretto's comeback in the previous match, breaking back and forcing a tie-break. The two-time Grand Slam runner-up stayed strong in the clutch, winning the second set 7-6(4) to keep Italy's hopes alive.

In the third set, Paolini got off to the best possible start, going up 2-0. But Wang responded with two consecutive breaks, taking a 4-2, 40-0 lead. Paolini continued to fight, however, and completed a truly remarkable comeback, winning the last four games to seal the victory: 4-6, 7-6(4), 6-4.

With two singles victories, Italy didn't need to play the doubles match where Paolini would have teamed up with her regular partner, Sara Errani. The Italians showed immense resilience in overcoming difficult situations, while the Chinese team repeatedly failed to close out their matches. Both Wang and Yuan had chances to serve for the win in the second and third sets of their respective matches. A series of squandered opportunities and the evident fighting spirit of the Italian players secured their place in the semifinals.

Their next challenge will be against the winner of the match between Spain (4th seed) and Ukraine, which will be played on September 17. The Spanish team will see the return of Paula Badosa, while Ukraine will be represented by Elina Svitolina and Marta Kostyuk.