NEW DELHI: Italy secured their spot in the Billie Jean King Cup semi-finals, defeating Japan 2-1 through a decisive doubles victory in Malaga, Spain on Saturday. Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani triumphed in straight sets over Shuko Aoyama and Eri Hozumi.
The contest stood level at 1-1 after Paolini, who reached both French Open and Wimbledon finals, overcame 56th-ranked Moyuka Uchijima 6-3 6-4 in the second singles match, putting Italy on the scoreboard.
The initial set proceeded smoothly, whilst the second set remained balanced at 4-4 before world number four Paolini secured victory in just over 60 minutes.
Paolini joined forces with Errani, a five-time Grand Slam doubles champion, for the doubles match. The Olympic gold medallists from Paris controlled the match, defeating their Japanese opponents 6-3 6-4.
Despite trailing 5-1 in the second set, Aoyama and Hozumi mounted a comeback to reach 5-4, but their efforts proved insufficient as the Italian pair clinched victory.
"The strategy was to serve well and try to be aggressive because the game was really fast. They played amazing in doubles, so it was a really stressful match. But in the end, I'm grateful that we did it as a team," Paolini stated after their doubles success.
"This year I'm a little bit used to it," the 28-year-old added when asked about playing singles and doubles back-to-back. "But I will rest now, I will work with the physios here. I have to thank them, working with us and behind the scenes."
In the earlier match, American-born Japanese competitor Ena Shibahara, ranked 135th globally, recovered from a set deficit to defeat 54th-ranked Elisabetta Cocciaretto 3-6 6-4 6-4.
Italy, four-time champions of the Billie Jean King Cup and 2023 runners-up to Canada, last claimed the title in 2013. They await either Poland or the Czech Republic in the semi-finals, with these teams scheduled to compete later on Saturday.
