Italy successfully defended its Billie Jean King Cup crown on Sunday in Shenzhen, sealing the title with a commanding 2-0 win over the United States. The Italian squad was anchored by the reliable play of Elisabetta Cocciaretto and Jasmine Paolini, who delivered straight-set victories in the singles rubbers to secure the nation’s second consecutive triumph in the competition.
Americans Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro had mounted gritty comebacks in the semifinal stage against Great Britain, overturning early deficits to push their team into the championship round.