Italy defended his title to Billie Jean King Cup, conquering the trophy for the sixth time after 2-0 in the end with the USA
Article by Luminița Paul – published on Sunday, September 21, 2025, 19:12 / Updated Sunday, September 21, 2025 7:13
Jasmine Paolini (29 years old, 8th WTA) and Elisabetta Cocriaretto (24 years old, world number 91) have been in matches with American Jessica Pegula (31 years old, 7-4, 6-2, respectively Emma Navarro (24 years old, 18th WTA), 6-4, 6-4, bringing a sixth trophy to BJK.
An inspired Italy team has successfully defended its title in Billie Jean King Cup, with a victory, 2-0in the final on the United States, the holder of 18 titles, record of the competition. Thus, the European nation has reached six triumphs in the most important women's tennis team competition.
Elisabetta Cocriaretto and Jasmine Paolini They won both the simple matches, helping their country to triumph in Shenzhen and prolonging the expectation of Americans for a new title, after their most recent success dating from 2017.
Jasmine Paolini: “It is even more special this year than last year”
“It was a really wonderful week and it is always amazing to play in this competition. I just want to thank everyone, it was incredible“Said Paolini, laughing with joy, after imposing in front of Jessica Pegula 6-4, 6-2 in one hour and 24 minutes.
“It was very difficult, this year we played against amazing teams, which are very strong, and against the United States we did not expect to win, so we are very happy for this victory. I do not know, it is even more special this year than last year. It's different but honestly I didn't expect it“She insisted.
Paolini's victory was the first for her in the sixth confrontation with Pegula. The victory that helped Italy to become the first team to win consecutive titles since the Czech Republic raised three trophies in a row between 2014 and 2016.
Paolini celebrated his victory by raising his arms and joined his team dancing in the center of the blue field, in the noisy applause of the Italian and Chinese fans.
6The titles won Italy in the BJK Cup (former Fed Cup) in 2006, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2024 and 2025
Italians have celebrating singing and dancing
Earlier, in the first match of the final, Elisabetta Cocriaretto It was assured that Italy started with the right, defeating the world number 18 Emma Navarro with 6-4, 6-4, the 24-year-old player finishing in a big style, winning an amazing exchange at the match ball.
“It was an incredible match for me,” said Cocriaretto, the world number 91, which returned from 2-4 in the second set to overcome his opponent in 89 minutes, in front of a room full at Shenzhen Bay Sports Arena.
“I knew he was a very good player and I had to play my best tennis. I am very happy with my performance and the point I have brought to Italy“She said after the match.
I am very proud of my players. They have a lot of personality, they put a lot of passion in what they do. All are now an important part of history – Tathiana Garbin, captain Italy
Paolini confessed in the final press conference that he had a harsh week. “On the first day, I did not feel good on the field. Then, from the match to the match, it was better, and in the final I probably managed my best match in the competition,” she described.
Asked why they were late before coming to the journalists, the Italian players acknowledged laughing and danced in the locker room.
The sixth triumph at Billie Jean King Cup comes in a fruitful time for Italy, the men's team winning the last two editions of the Davis Cup.
US team, finalist after 8 years
On the other side, the US led by the triple Grand Slam champion Lindsay Davenport He came out with his forehead up from the competition. They had not been in the final since 2017, but at the current edition they looked like a real force.
“I went through a great week here. The result we wanted to do, but at the same time we were glad to compete together, to reach the final, passing through many challenges. I built something“, Jessica Pegula believed.
Emma Navarro resonated, adding that she feels grateful for the opportunity that has been offered. “I wish to go back and win this competition in the year or in those who come“She said.
“I always liked the experience of being in a team. It is an individual sport, you do not have many opportunities, but this year it was a great atmosphere, trying to make girls work together,” concluded Lindsay Davenport, the captain of the American team.
