Jasmine Paolini could not stop smiling as she clinched the Billie Jean King Cup for Italy.
Paolini defeated Jessica Pegula 6-4, 6-2 to confirm Italy’s victory over the US, defending the title they won 12 months ago.
The Italians proved themselves to be worthy winners of the competition yet again, battling through tough contests against China and Ukraine, before defeating the US team 2-0.
On Sunday, Elisabetta Cocciaretto began proceedings by upsetting Emma Navarro 6-4, 6-4. Paolini then clinched the contest by defeating Pegula in what was a superb performance by the 29-year-old Italian.
Paolini, who has become Italy’s flagbearer in this competition, reacted to her nation’s achievement immediately after defeating Pegula.
Jasmine Paolini reacts to winning Italy’s sixth BJK Cup
“It’s amazing, I didn’t expect that,” Paolini said during her on-court interview with the WTA.
“I don’t know what to say. I just want to thank you, all of the team there. The players, the support team, they’re amazing. The captain, everybody who is there, who is not listening right now [laughs].
“And the crowd of course. I mean, the Italian crowd there, Chinese crowd there. It’s been a really great week, and it’s been amazing always to play this competition.
“I really like to play the BJK Cup. I want to thank the tournament director, Billie Jean King.
“This competition is amazing, very well organised here in China as always. Was a lovely week here in Shenzhen. I just want to thank you everybody because it was unbelievable.”
The Italian reflected on her nation’s triumph: “Was so tough. This year, we played amazing teams. They’re very strong, today with the United States. I think we didn’t expect to win.
“They’re really strong, they play amazing, so we’re really happy about this win because we know that was really tough.
“I don’t know if this year is even more special than last year, I don’t know that. It’s different, but honestly, I didn’t expect that.”
More disappointment for the US team
For the US team, this result marked another disappointing result in the BJK Cup.
The nation is the most successful in the tournament’s history, having won the title 18 times. However, they have struggled as of late: their last title came in 2017.
There was a real opportunity for the US to break their eight-year drought in Shenzhen. Against Italy, both Emma Navarro and Jessica Pegula were playing lower-ranked opponents, but failed to emerge victorious.
As for Italy, the nation has quickly emerged as a force across both male and female competition. As it stands, the male and female outfits are both two-time defending world champions.
