SEVILLA — Defending champions Italy are through to their third consecutive Billie Jean King Cup final after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over a resilient Ukraine team in Saturday's semifinal tie.
Led by the inspired play of world No. 15 Jasmine Paolini, who secured both points for her nation, the Italians overcame a stern challenge to keep their hopes of back-to-back titles alive. They will face either Australia or Slovakia in Sunday's final.
The tie was a tense, back-and-forth affair that stretched over nearly seven hours at the Estadio de La Cartuja, ultimately hinging on a decisive doubles rubber where Italian experience and composure proved the difference.
Paolini's Heroics Secure Crucial Points
The day's opening singles rubber set the tone for the entire tie, pitting Italy's top player, Jasmine Paolini, against Ukraine's 19-year-old breakout star, Yulia Starodubtseva. In a match of contrasting styles, Paolini's powerful groundstrokes eventually overpowered Starodubtseva's crafty game, 7-6(8), 6-2.
The first set was a monumental battle, lasting 78 minutes and seeing Starodubtseva save five set points before Paolini finally converted on her sixth opportunity to seize the initiative. From there, the Italian never looked back, racing through the second set to put the first point on the board for the holders.
Reflecting on the grueling opener, Paolini emphasized the importance of the team environment: "It was a very tough match. The first set was so long, so many set points. I'm so happy I won that tie-break. We are a team, we are together, and this is the most beautiful thing."
Kalinina Levels the Tie for Ukraine
With Italy needing just one more win to clinch the tie, the pressure shifted to Ukraine's number one, Anhelina Kalinina. Facing Italian No. 2 Elisabetta Cocciaretto, Kalinina delivered a masterclass in controlled aggression, winning 6-3, 6-4 to keep her nation's hopes alive and force a decisive doubles rubber.
Kalinina was dominant on serve and consistently dictated play from the baseline, breaking Cocciaretto's serve four times throughout the match. The victory showcased her mental fortitude and set the stage for a dramatic finale.
A proud Kalinina stated after her win: "I knew I had to win no matter what. I was playing for my country, for my team, for all the Ukrainian people. I felt this responsibility and I am so happy I could bring this point."
Doubles Drama Seals Italian Triumph
The semifinal came down to a winner-take-all doubles match, with Italy's experienced pairing of Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani taking on Ukraine's Lyudmyla Kichenok and Marta Kostyuk.
The Italian duo, combining Paolini's power with Errani's legendary doubles prowess and net game, emerged victorious in a tense encounter, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3. The match showcased the following key moments:
- A dominant first set for the Italians, who broke serve twice.
- A resilient fightback from the Ukrainians in the second set to level the match.
- A crucial break of serve early in the third set that gave Italy the momentum they never relinquished.
The victory was a testament to the team's depth and the strategic decision by captain Tathiana Garbin to field the veteran Errani, a former world No. 1 in doubles with six Grand Slam titles to her name, for the high-pressure occasion.
Captain Garbin Praises Team Spirit
Italian captain Tathiana Garbin was effusive in her praise for her players, particularly highlighting Jasmine Paolini's monumental effort in playing and winning both her singles and the decisive doubles rubber on the same day.
"Jasmine was incredible today," Garbin said. "To play with so much heart and fight for every point in singles and then come back and do it again in doubles, it is something special. This is the spirit of the Billie Jean King Cup. We fight together."
Garbin also acknowledged the fierce challenge presented by Ukraine: "We knew it would be very difficult. Ukraine has a great team with strong players. We had to give everything."
A Look Ahead to the Final
Italy now advances to its third straight final, a testament to the nation's current depth and dominance in women's team tennis. They will be aiming to win the title for the second consecutive year and for the fifth time overall.
Their opponents will be determined in the second semifinal between Australia and Slovakia. The final promises to be another epic encounter, regardless of the opponent.
- If Australia wins, it will set up a final between two of the most successful nations in the competition's history.
- If Slovakia wins, it will be a historic first final appearance for the nation.
For Ukraine, the defeat is a heartbreaking end to a valiant campaign. Despite the loss, their performance throughout the week, led by Kalinina and the emerging Starodubtseva, signals a bright future for Ukrainian tennis.
Conclusion: A Worthy Semifinal
The semifinal between Italy and Ukraine was a perfect advertisement for the Billie Jean King Cup, featuring high-quality tennis, dramatic shifts in momentum, and passionate performances played in a spirit of national pride.
In the end, Italy's slightly greater experience in high-pressure situations, embodied by the brilliant Jasmine Paolini, was the defining factor. As captain Garbin succinctly put it after the match: "This team has the heart of a lion. We are not done yet."
All eyes will now be on the Italian team as they prepare for Sunday's final, where they will attempt to cement their status as a modern-day dynasty in women's team tennis.