Jasmine Paolini revealed she had to have a change in mindset while leading her Italian team into the Billie Jean King Cup semi-finals.
The Italian number one had watched her teammate Elisabetta Cocciaretto mount a stunning comeback during their country’s first rubber against China, and Paolini proceeded to emulate her compatriot during her singles contest.
Paolini, who recently made the Cincinnati Open final, found herself on the brink of defeat after losing the first set to Xinyu Wang.
The Italian star did not lose faith, storming back to capture victory, 4-6, 7-6, 6-4.
Following the victory, Paolini revealed she had to tell herself something midway through the match.
Jasmine Paolini told herself to be more positive after early nerves
During discussions with reporters after the match, Paolini revealed how she had needed to shift her emotional mindset during the match after suffering with nerves after stepping onto court.
Paolini said: “I was telling to myself that I have to stay there, to think about what I have to do with more positivity.
“I step on court, I think I was a bit nervous. I couldn’t focus on my game 100%. That’s why I think my level was a little bit going up and down. I was telling to myself those kind of words.
“Hopefully for the next round I’m going to be more positive, more relaxed and enjoy more the match ’cause we have to raise the level I think a little bit in the semifinal.”
The nerves were understandable, given the occasion and Italy’s status as the defending champions.
In the 2024 final, Italy defeated Slovakia 2-0 to win their fifth BJK Cup title, and their first since 2013.
In the semi-finals, the Italians will face a stern test, regardless of who their opponents are.
Who could Italy face in the BJK Cup semi-finals?
With Italy vs China being the first BJK Cup quarter-final, there are still three matches to be played out.
Italy will face either Spain or Ukraine in the BJK Cup semi-finals, who will contest their quarter-final match on Wednesday.
Spain boast the likes of Paula Badosa and promising talent Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, while Ukraine have brought two players from the WTA top 30: Elina Svitolina and Marta Kostyuk.
The occasion marks the first time Ukraine have competed in the BJK Cup Finals in their history, while Spain have won the title four times.
The Spanish team were overwhelmingly commanding during the 1990s, winning all of their titles between 1991 and 1996. The nation last reached the final in 2008, losing to Russia.
