Italy defeat USA 2-0 in Shenzhen to secure back-to-back Billie Jean King Cup titles

The United States arrived in Shenzhen determined to end their long title drought at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, but Italy proved an obstacle too far. In a clinical display that underlined their growing dominance in the competition, the reigning champions secured a 2-0 victory to retain the trophy and extend America’s wait for a 19th title.

Elisabetta Cocciaretto set the tone with a confident 6-4, 6-4 win over Emma Navarro, breaking the American in the opening game and refusing to let go of her advantage. Navarro, who had shown admirable grit in earlier rounds with hard-fought three-set victories, looked poised to force another decider when she served for 5-2 in the second set. But Cocciaretto mounted a four-game surge to turn the contest on its head and silence American hopes of an early lead.

That result handed Jasmine Paolini the chance to finish the job, and she did so with the authority of a player at the peak of her powers. The Italian, ranked eighth in the world and already a hero of her nation’s triumph in Malaga last year, faced Jessica Pegula, a rival she had never beaten in five previous meetings. But Paolini is not the same player she was two years ago, and she showed it with a 6-4, 6-2 victory that left Italy celebrating another crown.

The first set was finely balanced until 4-4, when Paolini seized her opportunity with a decisive break of serve. From there, she dictated the match, racing into a 5-1 lead in the second set. Pegula, the world No. 7 and leader of the American team, fought hard to stave off three match points, but Paolini refused to falter. Her victory capped an unbeaten week in singles play, cementing her reputation as one of the fiercest competitors on tour.

For Pegula, it was a bitter pill. “It wasn’t the result we wanted today, just wasn’t our day,” she admitted afterwards. “But we really enjoyed competing together, making it to a final, getting through a lot of challenges. We came up short, but it’s been an awesome week.” She later reflected that the match’s turning point came late in the first set. “At 4-all it really dictated where the match was going to go. After that she played some really good tennis in the second.”

Navarro echoed her teammate’s sentiment, acknowledging both her disappointment and pride. “Today was tough. I didn’t bring my best level. Both Italian players played really well and brought it today. But I’ve had an amazing week with a really great group of people. It’s been a privilege to play for the US.”

The defeat stings for Lindsay Davenport’s side, but their return to the final for the first time since 2018 was itself an achievement. The USA remain the most successful nation in the event’s history with 18 titles, though their last came in 2017, and their path to Shenzhen’s showpiece, with victories over Kazakhstan and Great Britain, was evidence of progress. Davenport praised her team’s resilience, saying she “couldn’t be prouder of what they achieved together.”

For Italy, this triumph was confirmation. A year after breaking their 11-year title drought, they are now repeat champions, with Paolini once again the standout performer. Cocciaretto’s breakthrough win over Navarro and Paolini’s commanding dismissal of Pegula ensured there was no need for a deciding doubles rubber.

As the Italians celebrated their back-to-back success, the Americans were left to reflect on what might have been. Yet even in defeat, the mood was not one of despair but of optimism. With Pegula’s top-ten pedigree, Navarro’s rise, and team spirit restored, the USA’s campaign in Shenzhen may be remembered as the foundation for future triumphs. For now, though, the cup remains in Italian hands