Italy Reach Billie Jean King Cup Semi-Finals After Comeback Wins Over China
Defending champions Italy secured a 2-0 victory over China in the Billie Jean King Cup quarter-finals thanks to dramatic comebacks by Elisabetta Cocciaretto and Jasmine Paolini.
Comeback Victory by Cocciaretto
Defending champions Italy reached the semi-finals of the Billie Jean King Cup after two stunning singles comebacks against China in Shenzhen.
In the opening match, world number 102 Elisabetta Cocciaretto rallied from a set and 5-2 down to defeat Yue Yuan 4-6 7-5 7-5. Trailing 4-0 in the decider, Cocciaretto broke Yuan twice when she served for the match, winning the final five games to claim victory. "Thanks to my captain, my team and my coach, I fought until the last point," she said. "We find extra energy playing for our flag."
Paolini Seals Tie
World number eight Jasmine Paolini then gave Italy an unassailable 2-0 lead by overcoming Wang Xinyu 4-6 7-6 (7-4) 6-4. Paolini broke back after Wang served for the match in the second set and held her nerve in the tight decider to book a semi-final clash with either Spain or Ukraine. "It was tough, but I stayed focused for the bench, the Italian fans and my country," Paolini said.
Italy's depth and fighting spirit under pressure shine through as Cocciaretto and Paolini stage remarkable comebacks to keep their title defence alive.
This topic was reported by BBC Sport.
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