Italy Advances to Billie Jean King Cup Semifinals

Italy defeated Japan 2-1 to advance to the Billie Jean King Cup semi-finals, thanks to decisive performances by Jasmine Paolini in both singles and doubles matches. Paolini, ranked fourth globally and a finalist at both Wimbledon and the French Open, overcame Moyuka Uchijima 6-3, 6-4 to equalize the match after Ena Shibahara had earlier beaten Elisabetta Cocciaretto. In the doubles, Paolini paired with Sara Errani, a five-time Grand Slam doubles champion, to defeat Shuko Aoyama and Eri Hozumi 6-3, 6-4, despite a strong comeback attempt by the Japanese pair. Italy, four-time Billie Jean King Cup champions and 2023 runners-up, will face either Poland or the Czech Republic in the semi-finals. The Italian team's victory in Malaga marks their return to the tournament's later stages, having last won the title in 2013.