Italy beats China and qualifies for the semi-finals of the Billie Jean King Cup

Mission accomplished. Italy beats the hosts China in Shenzen and qualifies for the semi-finals of the Billie Jean King Cup. The decisive point comes from the doubles where Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini beat the pair formed by Guo Hanyu and Jiang Xinyu in three sets, with a score of 6-3 5-7 6-3. The match thus ends 2-1 for the blue team. On Saturday, the girls led by captain Tathiana Garbin will face Ukraine.

The victory over China, supported by the home crowd, was not at all a given: after the score was 1-1, Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini took care of winning. The Olympic champions produced an impeccable performance, despite a 2-4 deficit. It is also a very important joy for the two girls, who due to Paolini's physical problems had not played alongside each other since June. What matters most, however, is the team victory. A group that once again finds energy when wearing the blue of the national team. And now there is the possibility of playing for a place in the final with Ukraine, the very opponent they beat a year ago in the semi-final. The day had not started in the best way for the blue colours. Elisabetta Cocciaretto, who appeared in less than optimal physical condition, was overwhelmed by Shuai Zhang in the first singles and lost 6-0, 6-2 in an hour of play. In the second match Paolini evened out the situation by beating Qinwen Zheng 6-3, 7-6 and giving the Italians the first point. At that point the doubles became decisive with Errani and Paolini again who won the decisive point.

"We're used to suffering. It's been a complex season for my players, but every time they wear the national team jersey it seems like they have super powers. I'm super proud of these extraordinary girls", the Italian captain Tathiana Garbin told SuperTennis immediately after the victory. Awaiting the Italians is Ukraine who beat Belgium 2-1 despite an unexpected defeat by Elina Svitolina against Greet Minnen, who is 200 positions behind them in the standings. Anhelina Kalinina's victories in singles and doubles were decisive. "In the semi-final, like last year, we will face Ukraine. This year will be different, Kostyuk is missing, but this competition reserves hidden difficulties - adds Garbin - I think we have to think about ourselves, to recover as quickly as possible. It will take great energy to face this great team"