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Emma Navarro and Jessica Pegula each rallied from a set down in Shenzhen on Saturday, clinching a 2-0 semifinal win over Great Britain and sending the United States to its first Billie Jean King Cup final since 2018. There, Team USA will take on defending champions Italy for the title.
Navarro was first to deliver, overturning an early deficit against Sonay Kartal, 3-6 6-4 6-3. Pegula then sealed the deal in similar fashion, clawing back from a set down to outlast Katie Boulter 3-6 6-4 6-2. The wins not only advanced the U.S. but also extended their commanding head-to-head record over Great Britain to 10–1. Remarkably, the two countries had not met in this competition since 1992, and Britain’s lone triumph over the Americans dates all the way back to 1970.
Standing between the U.S. and a record 19th Billie Jean King Cup crown is Italy, the reigning champion. Jasmine Paolini, currently ranked No. 8 in the world, spearheaded the Italians’ semifinal victory over Ukraine on Friday. The championship clash is set for Sunday at 5 p.m. local time (5 a.m. ET).
The United States boasts a storied history in the event, with 18 titles to its name, the most of any nation. The last triumph came in 2017, when they defeated Belarus in Minsk. Italy, meanwhile, has been a formidable opponent in recent decades. Although the U.S. leads the overall series 10–5, the Italians have taken the last five encounters, dominating from 2009 to 2015 during a golden era that saw them capture four titles between 2006 and 2013.
As always, the final format remains straightforward: three matches—two singles and one doubles—with the first team to two wins claiming the trophy. Lineups are confirmed just an hour before play begins, leaving fans in eager suspense for Sunday’s showdown.
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