Billie Jean King reacts after Iga Swiatek and Poland are knocked out by Italy in thrilling tie
Italy have reached back-to-back Billie Jean King Cup finals after a thrilling semi-final win over Poland.
Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani produced the winning moment, with the duo beating Iga Swiatek and Katarzyna Kawa in Malaga.
World number two had beaten world number four Paolini in their singles clash, giving Poland hope after Lucia Bronzetti beat Magda Linette.
Swiatek helped Poland beat Spain and the Czech Republic to reach the semi-finals, with Italy having edged past Japan after their first round bye.
Paolini and Swiatek had only just played the WTA Finals, although both were well rested after failing to make it out of their groups in Riyadh.
Billie Jean King reacts as Italy beat Poland in BJK Cup semi-final
Italy will now be aiming to go one better than last year, having lost the 2023 Billie Jean King Cup final to Canada.
Their latest display has garnered the attention of Billie Jean King herself, who wrote on X: “Congratulations to Team Italy on heading to the Finals of the BJK Cup for the second year in a row. Truly a terrific performance by both teams.”
