"SHENZHEN, China -- Jasmine Paolini beat Jessica Pegula on the fourth match point as defending champion Italy won the Billie Jean King Cup with a comprehensive victory over the United States on Sunday. Italy won both singles ties in straight sets, meaning there was no need for a decisive doubles match. The No. 8-ranked Paolini beat seventh-ranked Pegula 6-4, 6-2 after No. 91 Elisabetta Cocciaretto won 6-4, 6-4 against Emma Navarro, breaking her serve three times at the Shenzhen Bay Sports Center Arena in China."
"Paolini broke Pegula's serve with a two-handed backhand down the line to take the first set. But with Paolini serving for the match at 5-1, she wavered a little. Pegula saved three match points, and then two unforced errors from Paolini allowed Pegula to break back to 5-2 down. A strong looping forehand gave Paolini -- the runner-up at the French Open and Wimbledon last year -- a fourth match point,"
"Paolini raised her arms in the air then walked over to hug her teammates. All the staff members joined them on the court as they danced in a circle before celebrating with blue-shirted, flag-waving Italy fans. Pegula and Navarro each came from a set down to defeat Britain and reach the final. But not this time. Italy boasted a doubles pairing of Olympic champions Paolini and Sara Errani, who also won the French Open doubles together this year."
Jasmine Paolini defeated Jessica Pegula on the fourth match point as Italy beat the United States to win the Billie Jean King Cup in Shenzhen. Elisabetta Cocciaretto earlier beat Emma Navarro, giving Italy two straight-set singles wins and eliminating the need for a doubles decider. Paolini took control with a two-handed backhand break, faced resistance when Pegula saved multiple match points, then closed out the match. Italian players and staff celebrated on court with flag-waving fans. Italy claimed its sixth BJK Cup title and its third consecutive final appearance.
Read at ESPN.com
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