STARNBERG, September 16, 2025

Elisabetta Cocciaretto and Jasmine Paolini both fought back from a set down to seal victories against China, P.R.’s Yuan Yue and Wang Xinyu, respectively, on opening day at the 2025 Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge Finals in Shenzhen.

Those results saw Italy through to the semifinals for the third straight year, with Tathiana Garbin’s team now set to face the winner of Wednesday’s tie between Spain and Ukraine.

The Chinese team gave their fans plenty to cheer, with Yuan and Wang leading for long periods in both matches. Ultimately however, the persistence of Cocciaretto and Paolini paid off, keeping the Italians’ bid to retain the Billie Jean King Cup title on track.

A miraculous moment from a remarkable match

A shot worthy of being named Gainbridge Play of the Day #BJKCup | @GainbridgeSport pic.twitter.com/gCINOxXzOl

— Billie Jean King Cup (@BJKCup) September 16, 2025

“It was a really tough day. Two matches, really tough. Both of them we almost lost the match. Somehow we turned the match. I think we fought until the last ball, the last point. We stayed there for our bench, for our country. It was tough, but we did it. I think we are really, really happy and proud of ourselves,” said Paolini.

“I definitely felt the special welcome for me, the local girl. I want to say thank you for everyone who showed up today. It was great hearing all the stadium cheering for us. Just looking forward for the next time that I can play here at home,” Wang Xinyu said.

Italy defeated China, P.R. 2-0

Elisabetta Cocciaretto (ITA) d. Yuan Yue (CHN) 4-6 7-5 7-5

Jasmine Paolini (ITA) d. Wang Xinyu (CHN) 4-6 7-6(4) 6-4

Sara Errani/Jasmine Paolini (ITA) v Jiang Xinyu/Zhang Shuai (CHN) – not played