A stunning repeat run saw the Italians lift the Billie Jean King Cup crown for the second year in a row after a thrilling campaign. World No. 8 Jasmine Paolini led the charge, teaming up with Sara Errani to show off their trademark doubles chemistry. Together, they outlasted a star-packed U.S. side featuring Jessica Pegula and Taylor Townsend. It’s the squad’s third straight final and another golden chapter in their run, capped off with a heartfelt congratulatory message from the legend herself, Billie Jean King.

On Sunday in Shenzhen, the defending champions stormed past the United States with a commanding 2-0 win, claiming their sixth overall title. The feat makes them the first nation since the Czech Republic in 2016 to score back-to-back triumphs. A true showcase of grit, depth, and flair. Even Billie Jean King took to X to celebrate, tweeting, “Congratulations to the back-to-back World Champions of the Billie Jean King Cup, Team Italy! 🇮🇹 #BJKCup.” A sharp blow for the American side, but a glowing moment for Italian tennis.

The final kicked off with Paolini, who produced a masterclass against Pegula, winning 6-4, 6-2. She had lost all five of their previous meetings, but this time she turned the script upside down. Paolini commanded the match with sharp serves and daring baseline strikes, putting her team on the front foot.

The closing act came from world No. 91 Elisabetta Cocciaretto, who shocked U.S. No. 2 Emma Navarro 6-4, 6-4. Cocciaretto rallied from 2-4 down in the second set, broke Navarro twice, and sealed the deal. With two singles wins on the board, the doubles weren’t even needed. “It was an unbelievable match for me. I knew that she’s a really great player and I had to play my best tennis … I’m really happy about the performance and the point that I gave to Italy,” Cocciaretto said after her stunning win.

The journey to the title was just as dramatic. In the semifinals, Paolini pulled out a gritty win over Elina Svitolina in a nail-biting clash, putting an end to Ukraine’s fairytale maiden run in the tournament. She then paired with veteran Sara Errani, their doubles connection proving decisive in the deciding rubber. Momentum had already built in the quarterfinals, where the Italians toppled China with a blend of resilience and teamwork.

For the United States, the drought grows heavier. The team hasn’t lifted the trophy since 2017. With a deep bench stacked with talent, they entered the week with belief, but faltered when the moment mattered most.  But even in defeat, Emma Navarro kept up the good sportsmanship as she spoke of her opponents.

Emma Navarro hails Billie Jean King Cup opponent

Emma Navarro’s BJK Cup run ended with heartbreak in the final. The American was stunned by Italy’s Elisabetta Cocciaretto, who rose to the occasion with fearless tennis. Navarro had earlier battled past Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva in the quarters and outlasted Sonay Kartal of Great Britain in the semis. But once in the championship clash, her plan unraveled. With Paolini and Cocciaretto leading the way, Italy marched to back-to-back titles and lifted its sixth trophy overall.

The world No. 91 pulled off the upset of the weekend, toppling the 18th-ranked Navarro 6-4, 6-4. She came out firing, breaking in the very first game and holding on to take the opener. Navarro fought hard to go up 4-2 in the second, but her level dipped at the worst moment. Four straight games slipped away, handing Italy the priceless point and sealing Navarro’s defeat.

“She’s tough,” Navarro said. “She plays right up on the baseline and rushes you as much as she can. Kind of suffocates you sort of in the rallies. That was tough on me. I wasn’t able to push back against that enough. She made me uncomfortable. I don’t think I made her nearly uncomfortable enough. Yeah, I think she also served well. I just didn’t bring a high enough level today.” A blunt reflection after a bruising finish.

For the U.S., the wait stretched on. The nation still holds a record 18 titles, but the last came in 2017 in Minsk, when Sloane Stephens, Shelby Rogers, and CoCo Vandeweghe outdueled a Belarus team led by Aryna Sabalenka. None of those names lined up in 2025, proof of how much time has passed. This run showed promise, but the drought remains. Maybe next year they will finally flip the script. What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!