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.”
Italy aiming to recover from 2023 Billie Jean King Cup final loss
Poland certainly pushed the 2023 runners-up all the way in Malaga, but Italy managed to battle to a 7-5, 7-5 win.
Errani stole the show in the semi-final thriller, with a brave underarm serve on match point helping secure the victory.
Paolini and Errani have formed a superb partnership on the court in recent times, having also doubled up in several other competitions this year, including the WTA Finals.
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They enjoyed huge success at the 2024 Paris Olympics as the duo won women’s doubles gold, having lost the French Open final shortly before.
Paolini meanwhile lost the singles final at Roland Garros to Swiatek, before also losing the Wimbledon final to Barbora Krejcikova.
But success is now on the cards in Malaga, with Jean King having sent her commiserations to Poland after their exit.
Sharing an image of herself with the players, she wrote on X: “Cheers to Poland on a wonderful performance in the BJK Cup Finals!”
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