Jasmine Paolini defeated Tamara Zidansek and Martina Trevisan beat Kaja Juvan as Italy secured a 2-0 victory over Slovenia in Seville on Saturday to succeed in the Billie Jean King Cup last and keep on target for its fifth crown within the group competitors.
Paolini survived a wobble halfway via the second singles conflict earlier than the world quantity 30 battled previous Zidansek 6-2 4-6 6-3 to ship her group via to the title conflict, sparking large celebrations from Italian followers on the Estadio de la Cartuja.
The 27-year-old Paolini was trailing 2-0 within the decider however shortly rediscovered her rhythm to sprint the hopes of first-time semi-finalists Slovenia, who had been the lowest-ranked of the 12 international locations within the competitors.
Trevisan earlier put Italy in entrance in its quest to make the ultimate of the occasion for a sixth time with a battling 7-6(6) 6-3 victory over Slovenian world quantity 104 Juvan.
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After edging a good opening set within the tie break, the Forty third-ranked Trevisan fought again from 3-1 down within the second set and grabbed the decisive break within the eighth recreation to safe the win in two hours and 20 minutes.
“I have to say that today was really tough,” Trevisan stated as Italy tasted success in its first semi-final look within the competitors since 2014. “A lot of emotions and a lot of firsts … A result obtained starting from very far.”
Italy’s final triumph within the competitors got here 10 years in the past, and it might face stiff competitors in Sunday’s title conflict.
Eleven-time winners Czech Republic, who shall be excessive on confidence after its victory over 18-time champions United States on Friday, tackle Canada – but to win the match – within the second semi-final afterward Saturday.
Source: sportstar.thehindu.com