SEVILLE — The defending champions, Italy, summoned immense reserves of resilience and fighting spirit to claw their way into the semi-finals of the Billie Jean King Cup on Thursday, overcoming a determined Chinese team 2-1 in a thrilling tie that went down to the wire.
Facing a potential early exit from the competition they won so dramatically last year, the Italians were pushed to the brink. After losing the opening rubber, they staged two remarkable comebacks in the singles matches to keep their title defense alive and secure a last-four clash with either Slovenia or the United States.
Italian captain Tathiana Garbin, who masterminded last year’s triumph, praised her team's heart, stating, "They gave extra energy for the flag. They played with the heart. They never gave up, and this is our team spirit."
A Rocky Start for the Defending Champions
The tie began ominously for Italy. World No. 7 Zheng Qinwen, China's top player, lived up to her billing in the first rubber against Jasmine Paolini. Despite a valiant effort from the Italian, Zheng’s powerful groundstrokes and aggressive returning proved too much to handle, sealing a 6-4, 6-3 victory for China.
The loss put immediate pressure on Italy's number one, Martina Trevisan, who knew she had to defeat Wang Xiyu to keep her nation in the competition. The task was daunting; a loss would send the champions packing. Trevisan, however, has built a reputation on her clay-court prowess and never-say-die attitude.
Trevisan's Gritty Three-Set Triumph
Trevisan’s match was a rollercoaster of momentum swings. She found herself on the back foot early, dropping the first set 4-6 to the hard-hitting Wang. With her back against the wall, the Italian dug deep, battling through lengthy, physically demanding rallies to claw her way back into the contest, taking the second set 6-3.
The deciding set was a tense affair, a test of nerve as much as skill. Trevisan’s trademark fighting spirit shone through as she ultimately prevailed 6-4, leveling the overall tie at 1-1 and setting the stage for a decisive doubles rubber. "I just tried to fight for every ball," a relieved Trevisan said afterward.
The Decisive Doubles Drama
With everything on the line, captain Garbin turned to the experienced duo of Elisabetta Cocciaretto and Jasmine Paolini, who had to quickly regroup from her earlier singles loss. They faced the Chinese pair of Zheng Qinwen and Wang Xinyu, a formidable combination featuring two top singles players.
The Italian pair started slowly, perhaps feeling the weight of expectation, and were outplayed in the first set, losing it 1-6. Just as in the singles, however, the Italian resolve was unbreakable. They began to find their rhythm, cutting down on errors and executing their volleys with precision to take the second set 6-3.
The match tiebreak, which replaces a full third set in the BJK Cup Finals, was a nail-biting affair. The Italians raced to a commanding 9-4 lead, but China saved four consecutive match points to close the gap to 9-8, sending a wave of tension through the Italian camp. On their fifth opportunity, Cocciaretto and Paolini finally sealed the victory, sparking emotional celebrations.
Key Factors in the Italian Comeback
Several elements were crucial to Italy's stunning reversal of fortune:
- Mental Fortitude: The ability to recover from a set down in both the crucial singles and doubles matches.
- Team Cohesion: The seamless partnership in doubles, despite Paolini's recent singles disappointment.
- Captain's Influence: Tathiana Garbin's calm leadership and belief in her players.
- Experience in Pressure Moments: Drawing on the memory of their 2023 championship run.
Looking Ahead to the Semi-Finals
The victory sets up a semi-final showdown for Italy, where they will be favorites regardless of their opponent. Their ability to win under extreme pressure, a hallmark of championship teams, will make them a daunting prospect for anyone. The win also continues Italy's remarkable recent record in the competition, having now reached the semi-finals in four of the last five editions.
Elisabetta Cocciaretto, the hero of the doubles match, encapsulated the team's feeling, saying, "It was an incredible match. We were 1-6 down and we were just saying to each other, 'We have to fight, we have to believe until the end.' And we did it. I'm so proud of my team and so happy."
A Statement Victory
This victory was more than just a ticket to the semi-finals; it was a statement. It demonstrated that Italy’s 2023 title was no fluke and that the heart of a champion still beats strongly within this team. They may not have started the day as the better team on paper, but they finished it as the victors through sheer determination and a refusal to be defeated.
As the tournament progresses, the other contenders will have taken note. Italy, once again, has proven it possesses the intangible qualities—the "extra energy for the flag," as Garbin put it—required to win this historic team competition. Their title defense is very much alive and kicking.