Jasmine Paolini, currently ranked eighth globally, secured an insurmountable 2-0 advantage for Italy by defeating Wang Xinyu with a score of 4-6, 7-6 (7-4), 6-4.
Wang had an opportunity to clinch the match while serving in the second set, but Paolini managed to break her serve, much to the dismay of the enthusiastic local supporters.
Subsequently, Paolini navigated a closely contested final set, paving the way for a semi-final encounter against either Spain or Ukraine.
“The match presented challenges for me today, but I endeavored to persevere for the team, the Italian supporters, and the nation,” Paolini expressed.
The doubles match scheduled between the two nations was called off, given that the best-of-three series had already been definitively determined.
Great Britain, spearheaded by Katie Boulter, is set to commence its quest for a maiden BJK Cup title on Thursday against Japan, with live coverage of the competition available on the BBC.
