Jasmine Paolini beats Jessica Pegula, Italy wins the Billie Jean King Cup

Italy wins the Billie Jean King Cup for the second consecutive year. An extraordinary final by the Italian women's team led by Tathiana Garbin who defeated the United States 2-0. In the first match of the day, a super Elisabetta Cocciaretto beat Emma Navarro with a double 6-4, dominating from start to finish, with a great performance in the second set in which she even had to recover a break disadvantage. After Cocciaretto, it was Jasmine Paolini's turn to defeat Jessica Pegula 6-4, 6-2. A magnificent performance by Jasmine, who in the first set cancelled four break points (three of which in the same game). Italy thus conquered the sixth BJK Cup/Fed Cup in its history and moved up to fourth place all-time for triumphs in the competition.

"It's incredible, I don't know what to say. Thank you to the whole team, the players, the fans, the captain, whoever is on the bench here and beyond, the people, the Italian public here, the Chinese public". So said Jasmine Paolini after scoring the winning point that earned the Azzurri their sixth Billi Jean King. "It was really an extraordinary week," she continued, "it's great to play this competition, I also want to thank Conchita Martinez, the tournament director, and Billie Jean King herself. It was a perfect organisation, lovely to be here in Shenzhen".

The tennis player then commented: 'Today we did well against a very strong team: it was difficult. I don't know if this victory is more special or last year's, but it was certainly different. Honestly, I didn't expect it this way.

President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella contacted Coni President Luciano Buonfiglio to congratulate the girls of the national women's tennis team who won the Billie Jean King Cup for the second consecutive year. "Congratulations and congratulations to the athletes for this prestigious success," said the Head of State.