IT WAS far from easy for the Italian Billie Jean King (BJK) Cup side, with the reigning runners-up having to overcome a fierce challenge from Poland to books its place in the 2024 final. Having achieved the feat 12 months ago but fallen a win short of ultimate glory, the second ranked side will now get a shot at redemption.

After world number four Jasmine Paolini spearheaded the Italians to victory in the quarter finals, she copped the rough end of the stick having to battle against fellow Top 5 star Iga Swiatek. Though winning the first set and having five break points in the second, the Italian was unable to close the match out, and Swiatek levelled the tie at one apiece.

However Paolini regrouped to team up with regular doubles partner Sara Errani in a do-or-die match against Swiatek and fellow Pole Katarzyna Kawa. Having competed at the recent WTA Finals in the format, Paolini and Errani were strong favourites and took the first set 7-5. However Poland hit back winning five of the first six games of the second set.

Just when it looked like the semi-final would go to a deciding third set, Italy put the foot down and Poland missed out on a multitude of winning chances throughout the second set. Roaring home with all the momentum, the Italian duo piled on six consecutive games to go from 1-5 down to winning the set 7-5, and closing out the match in straight sets.

Incredibly, the match ended with veteran Errani producing a surprising underarm serve that forced an error off Swiatek’s racquet for the win. On the decision to serve underarm, the Italian said it just felt right.

“I feel it and I did it,” Errani said post-match. “I just advised Jasmine after [the] first serve, so it’s just I feel it and I did it, just like that, not thinking too much. 

“Playing for our country, for Italy, it’s always really special. “So I have to thank (captain) Tathi [Garbine] to make me be in the team again. I’m very happy, I’m very proud to be part of this team. Was a special day today. We fight a lot.”

The result was sweet relief for Paolini who went down 3-6 6-4 6-4 to Swiatek when having her own chances to wrap up the tie in just two matches. Earlier in the evening, Italy’s Lucia Bronzetti caused a minor upset over Poland’s Magda Linette in a tight two-setter, 6-4 7-6 across an hour and 47 minutes to get Italy off to the perfect start.

Italy will now get an extra day’s rest before preparing for the final against the winner of tonights’ clash between Slovakia and Great Britain.