Italy successfully defended his Billie Jean King Cup title on Sunday in Shenzhen, China, who found the challenge of the United States to lift the trophy for the 6th time, with a 2-0 Sweep against the 18-time champions.
“I am really proud of my players. They play with passion, a lot of personality. They are all a large part of history. Tathiana Garin, Captain of Team Italy
Elisabetta Cocciasto and Jasmine Paolini both achieved straight setles victories on their higher American opponents to conquer the World Cup tennis for the 2nd year in a row.
All 6 BJK Cup titles in Italy have come since 2006, including victories in 2009, 2010, 2013, 2024 and 2025, while the US, the most decorated nation in the history of the competition, has not canceled the trophy since 2017.
Italy has now defeated the US in 6 straight ties after losing its first 9 meetings.
Cocciaretto van Streek Emma Navarro, 6-4 6-4, to make the Italians forward, and was followed by Paolini, the Talisman of Italy, who kept her perfect record this week with a victory over Jessica Pegula to score the decisive point for her country for the second consecutive year.
Navarro, the World No 18, came unbeaten this week in Shenzhen, but it was Cocciasto who made the early blow.
The 24-year-old Italian broke in the opening match and bore that advantage to collapsed the first set, and while Navarro came together in the second, broke 4-2, Cocciaretto responded with 4 consecutive games to seal her upset victory in an hour and 29 minutes to give the Italians a valuable 1-0 lead.
“It was an incredible game for me!” Said Cocciaretto. “I knew I had to play my best tennis. I am really happy with the performance and the point I gave to Italy.”
Jasmine Paolini, who has been the Lynchpin for Italy, stroked Jessica Pegula of the United States of the Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge Finals 2025
© Zhe Ji/Getty Images for Billie Jean King Cup
Pegula, the World No 7, had all won all 5 of her earlier meetings with Paolini, but the Italian reversed the trend when it mattered the most, and took full control of the second set after the first for an emphatic 6-4 6-2 victory, which sealed the defense defense of Italy.
“It’s an incredible feeling,” said Paolini afterwards. “Today was a very tough competition. We are really happy and proud of ourselves, from our team. It’s a great day for Italy.”
Paolini has been the striking performer for Italy all week and won all 3 of her singles matches and together with Sara Errani for a decisive Doubles victory against Ukraine in the semi-final.
She has now demanded victories in 8 of her last 9 Billie Jean King Cup matches.
“I am really proud of my players,” said Captain Tathiana Garin, Italy. “They play with passion, a lot of personality. They are all a large part of history.”
Team Italy was presented on Sunday with ‘Billie Blue’ Jackets. (LR) Tyra Caterina Grant, Sara Errani, Tathiana Garin, Jasmine Paolini, Elisabetta Cocciasto and Lucia Bronzetti and Captain Tathiana Harbin of Italy celebrate with the Billie Jean King Cup
© Zhe Ji/Getty Images for Billie Jean King Cup
Team Italy was presented with the famous Billie Jean King Cup trophy by ITF president David Haggerty and Billie Jean King for an ecstatic reception on the field.
The team also received the winners’ check for US $ 2 million of Mike Nichols players, head of sponsor strategy and activation at Gainbridge.
After the trophy ceremony, the champions each received a special edition ‘Billie Blue’ jacket, designed by Tory Burch, who became the 4th champions who won the coats, after their introduction to the 2022 final in Glasgow.
There was disappointment for Team USA, because Emma Navarro looks next to her teammates during the trophy presentation for the Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge Finals 2025
© Lintao Zhang/Getty images for Billie Jean King Cup
After he has now won 6 titles, Italy from Russia and Spain moved in 4th place on the list for most Billie Jean King Cup titles, and only VS, with 18 titles, the Czech Republic with 11 and Australia on 7, have won the competition more often.
They are also the first team to win back-to-back Billie Jean King Cup titles, because the Czech Republic won 3 consecutive titles in 2014-16.
VS disputed the Billie Jean King Cup final for the 31st time, but for the first time since 2018, when they finished second for the Czech Republic in Prague.
“We had a great week here,” said Pegula. “It wasn’t the result we wanted today. I was just not our day today.
“I think that at the same time we really enjoyed it to compete together, to reach a final, to get through many challenges. Today they were short.”
USA Captain Lindsay Davenport added: “It was such a great week here. This event was really great to be played here in Shenzhen. We all enjoyed our time here.
“Of course disappointed about how today went. Really happy that this event has found such a great house, and we look forward to being back.”
End result
Italy defeated USA 2-0
- Elisabetta Cocciasto (Ita) d. Emma Navarro (US) 6-4 6-4
- Jasmine Paolini (Ita) d. Jessica Peguula (US) 6-4 6-2
- Sara Errani/Jasmine Paolini (now) against Hailey Baptiste/McCartty Kessler (US) – Not played
Team Italy – BJK Cup Champions League. (LR) Sara Errani, Tyra Caterina Grant, Jasmine Paolini, Lucia Bronzetti, Tathiana Garin and Elisabetta Cocciakto
© Zhe Ji/Getty Images for Billie Jean King Cup
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