Shenzhen, China – Jasmine Paolini defeated Jessica Pegra in the fourth match point as defending champion Italy won the Billy Junking Cup on Sunday in an inclusive victory.
Italy won both singles tie in straight sets. In other words, there was no need for a decisive doubles match. After No. 91 Elisabetta Cocchialett scored 6-4 and 6-4 against Emmanavaro, eighth-placed Paolini defeated 7th-placed Pegra 6-4, 6-2, smashed three times at Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre Arena in China.
Paolini broke Pegula’s serve and broke it down the backhand with both hands to take a picture of the first set. But she shaking a bit as Paolini serves the match 5-1. Pegula saved three match points, and then two forced errors from Paolini allowed Pegula to return 5-2 down.
The strong loop forehand gave Paolini, runner-up at last year’s French Open and Wimbledon, a fourth match point, and she won it when Pegra’s two-handed backhand cut out the net and landed heavily.
Paolini raised her arms in the air and walked over to embrace her teammates. All staff joined them on coats as they danced in circles before celebrating with Italian fans waving flags in blue shirts.
Pegra and Navarro each came from the set to beat the UK and reach the final.
But this time it’s not the case.
Italy boasted a double pairing of Olympic champions Paolini and Sara Ellani. They would have been facing Pegra and top-ranked doubles player Taylor Townsend, who could have been the winners of the exciting trophy.
The BJK Cup was previously known as the Fed Cup. The US is the most successful team with 18 winners, but has not won a title since 2017.
Italy challenged the third straight final, winning the sixth title. The previous final for the Americans appeared in 2018.
