MALAGA/STARNBERG, November 17, 2024
The first semi-finalists of the 2024 Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge were confirmed after Italy and Poland were victorious in Malaga on Saturday.
Italy came from behind to beat Japan 2-1 as Jasmine Paolini won the second singles match before partnering with Sara Errani to win the decisive doubles in straight sets.
Italy beat Japan 2-1 in Malaga@SaraErrani and @JasminePaolini defeat the Japanese pair 6-3 6-4#BJKCup | @federtennis pic.twitter.com/4SGL1FQGBV
— Billie Jean King Cup (@BJKCup) November 16, 2024
“I’m trying to not think about how many matches I played, but, you know, I tried to have the energy today,” said Paolini. “Of course it helps to have the bench full of the team supporting us, so I think today I had some energy, so I hope that the next match is going to be the same.”
Later, an Iga Swiatek-inspired Poland overcame Czechia 2-1. After Magdalena Frech lost to Marie Bouzkova in the first match of the tie, Swiatek battled past Linda Noskova in three sets, before powering to doubles victory alongside Katarzyna Kawa to seal the win.
A historic moment for Poland ❤️#BJKCup | @pzt_tenis pic.twitter.com/u9gW2nQJ6o
— Billie Jean King Cup (@BJKCup) November 17, 2024
RESULTS – 16 NOVEMBER
Quarterfinal – Italy defeated Japan 2-1
Ena Shibahara (JPN) d. Elisabetta Cocciaretto (ITA) 3-6 6-4 6-4
Jasmine Paolini (ITA) d. Moyuka Uchijima (JPN) 6-3 6-4
Jasmine Paolini / Sara Errani (ITA) d. Shuko Aoyama / Eri Hozumi (JPN) 6-3 6-4
Quarterfinal – Poland defeated Czechia 2-1
Marie Bouzkova (CZE) d. Magdalena Frech (POL) 6-1 4-6 6-4
Iga Swiatek (POL) d. Linda Noskova (CZE) 7-6(4) 4-6 7-5
Iga Swiatek / Katarzyna Kawa (POL) d. Marie Bouzkova / Katerina Siniakova 6-2 6-4
