Italy reaches Billie Jean King Cup semifinals after dual comebacks vs China

Defending champions Italy secured their place in the Billie Jean King Cup semi-finals by defeating hosts China 2-0 in Shenzhen, with both singles matches featuring remarkable comebacks. Elisabetta Cocciaretto overcame a set and multiple game deficits, including trailing 0-4 in the final set, to defeat Yuan Yue 4-6, 7-5, 7-5, rallying from near defeat by breaking serve twice when her opponent served for the match. Jasmine Paolini then sealed the victory by coming back from a one-set deficit and a 3-5 second-set disadvantage to beat Wang Xinyu 4-6, 7-6(7-4), 6-4, showing resilience by dominating a crucial tiebreak and resisting a late surge. Both matches lasted nearly three hours, highlighting the intense competition and Italy's determination to defend their title. Italy will next face the winner of the quarter-final between Spain and Ukraine. These victories underscore Italy's grit and team spirit as they aim for a third consecutive semi-final appearance in the tournament.