Italy secured a spot in the Billie Jean King Cup finals after defeating Japan 3-1 in Velletri. Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani clinched the decisive doubles match against Eri Hozumi and Shuko Aoyama, winning 6-2, 7-5. Italy now eyes a third consecutive title in the prestigious women’s team competition.
The United States, last year’s runner-up, exited the tournament after a 3-1 loss to Belgium in Ostend. Singles defeats on Friday left the Americans trailing 2-0. Caty McNally and Nicole Melichar delivered a doubles win, but Belgium sealed the tie when Greet Minnen upset Iva Jovic 7-5, 6-3. Elise Mertens celebrated Belgium’s success, noting the pride of achieving such a milestone for a small nation.
Other nations also advanced. Britain overcame Australia 3-1 in Melbourne, Kazakhstan defeated defending champions Canada 3-1 in Astana, and Ukraine swept Poland 4-0 in Gliwice to reach the finals for the second year in a row. Spain and the Czech Republic booked their places, while host nation China qualified automatically.
