"It's been a really great week and it's always amazing to play in this competition I just want to thank everybody, it was unbelievable, a beaming Paolini said. It was so tough, this year we played amazing teams, they are very strong and today against the United States, we didn't expect to win so we're really happy about this win. I don't know, it's even more special this year than last year. It's different, but honestly I didn't expect it."
"The 29-year-old edged a tight first set by firing a backhand rocket that broke the seventh-ranked Pegula's serve and she came from an early break down in the next set to quell the challenge of her American opponent after a late wobble. She celebrated her win by raising her arms and joined her team in dancing in the centre of the blue court to roaring applause from largely Italian and Chinese fans."
Italy defended the Billie Jean King Cup with a 2-0 victory over the United States in Shenzhen, raising their total to six titles. Jasmine Paolini defeated Jessica Pegula 6-4, 6-2 for her first win in six meetings, helping Italy become the first team to win back-to-back crowns since the Czech Republic from 2014-16. Elisabetta Cocciaretto opened the tie with a 6-4, 6-4 win over Emma Navarro, rallying from 2-4 in the second set and closing the match with a decisive rally on match point. Paolini celebrated emphatically and the team received roaring applause from largely Italian and Chinese fans. The United States' wait for another title continues since 2017.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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