Italy kept their title defense alive at the
The tie began on a difficult note for the Italians, as Zhang Shuai dominated the opening singles rubber. Zhang dispatched Elisabetta Cocciaretto in straight sets, 6-0, 6-2, providing the home crowd in Shenzhen with an early reason to celebrate. However, the momentum shifted decisively when Paolini took to the court to face Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen, ultimately prevailing 6-3, 7-6 (4) to level the series.
Paolini and Errani seal the comeback
With the tie locked at 1-1, the outcome rested on the doubles encounter. Paolini returned to the court alongside veteran partner Sara Errani to face the Chinese duo of Guo Hanyu and Jiang Xinyu. The Italian pair maintained their composure to secure a 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 victory, marking Paolini’s ninth consecutive match win in the tournament.
Italy’s victory sets up a semifinal showdown against Ukraine, who also punched their ticket to the next round with a 2-1 win over Belgium earlier in the day. The two nations are set to meet on Saturday, marking the second consecutive year they have faced each other at this stage of the competition. Ukraine’s path to the semifinals was secured by Anhelina Kalinina and Lyudmyla Kichenok, who defeated Magali Kempen and Lara Salden 6-3, 6-3 in the deciding doubles rubber. Earlier, Elina Svitolina suffered a surprise defeat to Greet Minnen, while Kalinina had opened the tie with a three-set victory over Jana Otzipka.
Elsewhere in the tournament, Spain has already confirmed their place in the semifinals following a 2-1 win over Kazakhstan. They are scheduled to face the Czech Republic on Friday, with the Czechs aiming for a 12th title after their 2-0 quarterfinal victory over Britain. The final of the Billie Jean King Cup is slated for Sunday.
